The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently reported the deaths of seven deer in Oconto County from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, and are asking the public across the region to be on the lookout for potential spread. The illness is more common in the southern and western parts of the United States, with only sporadic, localized outbreaks reported in Wisconsin. The worst of those killed a little over 300 deer in Dane County. District Wildlife Supervisor Jeff Pritzl says EHD requires dry conditions to spread.
A midge is a biting insect similar to a gnat or small fly. It dies out with the first hard frost. That’s already occurred on the western side of the bay, but not in Door or Kewaunee Counties. Another potential area of concern is the Forestville flowage. Water has receded there by design as the dam has been opened to facilitate a drawdown. What is left are mudflats and increasing vegetation that could provide a fertile habitat for midges.
EHD is characterized by sudden onset, with death happening in just days. There are no telltale symptoms that present on the outside of the body like a rash or similar feature. Pritzl is hoping to get the word out quickly so that the disease can be contained before an outbreak occurs. Oconto County is as far north as the state has ever seen the illness. Human beings have never been affected by EHD, even if they have eaten meat from an infected animal.
