EHD outbreak confirmed in 15 Michigan counties

State officials have confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, in at least 15 Michigan counties, with Jackson County reporting the highest number of cases. The disease affects the deer's vascular system, causing fever-like symptoms and internal bleeding, and is transmitted by insects.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologist Chad Stewart said the state is waiting for frost to kill the insects that carry the virus. He noted that it could take years for the deer population to recover from an outbreak of this scale.

The DNR is asking hunters to report sick or dead deer through its Eyes in the Field program. While reporting is not required by law, confirmed cases require a lab sample collected within 16 hours of the deer's death.

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