DNR: Disease May Be Killing Dozens of Deer

Department of Natural Resources officials say at least 30 deer are dead in Southern Wisconsin, perhaps killed by a wildlife disease last detected in the state 10 years ago. Now the DNR is asking for the public for help.

Most of the dead deer are in Columbia County, just north of Madison, but DNR officials say small clusters of dead or dying deer have also been found in Waukesha, Rock and Walworth Counties. District wildlife supervisor Eric Lobner says the deer have symptoms consistent with an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease or EHD.

Two deer carcasses have been examined at a lab, and those deer showed signs of significant hemorrhaging in the lungs and small intestine.

Lobner says EHD is a virus passed to deer by small biting flies known as midges. The disease has been found in other Midwest states this year, but was last observed in Wisconsin in 1992, when the virus killed 14 deer in Iowa County. Lobner says the first frost should kill the flies. Meantime he hopes the public will send the agency more information.

Individuals that observe deer exhibiting the following signs are encouraged to report their observations to the DNR:

• Excessive salivation or foaming around the nose and mouth.
• Appearing weak and approachable by humans.
• In or near water sources. They will often lie in water to cool down or drink.

Final results of the deer carcass testing are expected in a week or two.

To report a sick deer observation please call the DNR call center toll free at 1-888-936-7463, email DNRInfo@Wisconsin.gov, or use the chat feature on the DNR website. Staff are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please be prepared to provide details about the condition of the deer and the exact location where the deer was observed. Individuals interested in finding more information on sick deer in Wisconsin can visit the Wisconsin DNR website at dnr.wi.gov keyword “sick deer.”