As toll likely surpasses 1,100 deer, EHD outbreak worst in Wisconsin history

Key Points:

• The 2026 epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreak in Wisconsin has resulted in at least 1,100 dead white-tailed deer, making it the largest in state history, with most deaths reported in Washington, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Dodge, and Milwaukee counties.
• EHD is a viral disease spread by biting midges that causes severe internal bleeding, high fever, and organ damage in deer, often leading to death within hours; it typically affects deer in late summer and fall when insect populations peak.
• Although EHD has been documented in Wisconsin since 2002 with periodic outbreaks, the current outbreak surpasses previous ones in mortality; however, the disease generally does not have a significant long-term impact on overall deer populations in the Midwest.
• The Wisconsin DNR is not currently planning changes to hunting regulations despite the outbreak but urges the public to report dead deer to help monitor the situation; outbreaks usually subside after the first hard frost reduces insect activity.
• Similar outbreaks have occurred in neighboring states like Ohio and Michigan, where warmer and wetter weather and new virus strains have complicated deer immunity, contributing to increased disease spread and mortality.