Hot and dry summers will often lead to a disease that spreads from small bugs through the deer population. The conditions were right this summer for an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. According to DNR Sargent, John Williamson, EHD spreads when streams and rivers get low and a dangerous bug is able to hatch its eggs, get into the system and then kill the deer.

Williamson indicates the conditions have been perfect for an EHD outbreak but he’s heard only of limited cases.

EHD dehydrates a deer by closing up its throat through swelling in the tongue. In search of water, deer are often found dead near waterways like lakes and streams. If you find a deer dead near water, you’re encouraged to contact DNR authorities.