Deadly Deer Virus ‘EHD’ Discovered in MN Deer

The EHD virus has been around for quite some time, but recently it was discovered in 6 deer in Southern Minnesota. The virus is called Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease and it is deadly to white tail deer.

The virus has been widespread across North America, but we haven't seen it in Minnesota until now. According to the Duluth News Tribune, a group of captive deer came down with the virus, 6 of the 7 tested positive. The deer were in Goodhue county which is in Southeastern Minnesota. The virus is transmitted through biting gnats, and appears to occur during dryer seasons as the gnats breed in small puddles of water when there is a drought. Those deer then come into those same small puddles because they are thirsty and then get infected.

If you were to find a dead deer that appears to have been infected, it's important to call your state wildlife agency and give them the location of the animal so they can test it.