More rainfall than usual could lead to ailing deer in Ohio, wildlife officers have said.
Ashland County Wildlife Officer Evan Huegel said the Ohio Division of Wildlife expects more reports of deer infected with epizootic hemorrhagic disease, a fatal virus commonly known as EHD.
Huegel said rainfall creates water pools where midge flies breed. Midge flies spread the disease to deer through their bites.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is seeking reports of dead or sick deer to track the spread of potential disease outbreaks.
EHD is one of the most common diseases of white-tailed deer in the United States. It is a seasonal disease that coincides with high midge fly populations, which occurs roughly between late July and November, according to the 2025 annual summary of Ohio’s deer program.
New disease outbreaks cease after the first hard freeze of the fall when midge fly activity declines.
Huegel said Ashland County usually sees more outbreaks in September. As of Aug. 19, Ashland County has reported one to two dead or sick deer.
But southeastern counties have already reported 26 to 50 plus dead or sick deer, including Washington, Athens, Meigs and Morgan counties.
In 2024, Ashland County reported one to two sick or dead deer. Richland County reported five to 14 infected deer. Knox County reported one to two.
Once a deer is infected, symptoms will develop about seven days later. After a deer starts showing symptoms, which can include panting, swollen heads and tongues, bloodshot eyes and no fear of humans. It will die within 36 hours.
Wildlife officers usually recover deer carcasses from bodies of water because EHD causes a fever, and deer will attempt to cool off in water, Huegel said.
Huegel said EHD only impacts deer and it has never been transmitted to humans.
To report a suspected sick or dead deer, contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 800-945-3543, contact Huegel directly at 330-245-3044 or report your observations online.