Maryland Experiencing Hemorrhagic Disease Outbreak in White-tailed Deer

Maryland Experiencing Hemorrhagic Disease Outbreak in White-tailed Deer

September 10, 2025

Photo by Steve Edwards, submitted to the 2018 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises hunters that Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has been confirmed in Maryland and is the doubtless reason behind loss of life for white-tailed deer reported sick or lifeless in quite a few counties throughout the state. 

This 12 months, confirmed or suspected circumstances of EHD have been documented in counties in central and southern Maryland. The largest outbreak within the state seems to be in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties. The illness has additionally been reported within the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

EHD is a naturally occurring illness that impacts white-tailed deer and, hardly ever, home livestock. It is widespread all through the jap United States and outbreaks happen in Maryland yearly at differing levels. 

While EHD is commonly deadly to deer, the illness poses no menace to people. 

EHD sometimes happens from mid-August by means of October and is brought on by a virus that’s transmitted to deer by means of the chew of tiny flying midges (“no-see-ums”). EHD will not be transmitted by direct contact between deer and can’t be unfold to people. Humans aren’t in danger by being bitten by contaminated midges or from dealing with or consuming the meat of affected deer, however DNR recommends not consuming deer which have massive, open sores, whatever the trigger.

The infectious virus that causes EHD sometimes ends in seen sores and secondary infections to the deer. Deer contracting EHD might exhibit signs of lethargy, typically salivate excessively, and seem to lose their worry of people. Hemorrhaging or lesions of the mouth and tongue are a typical symptom. Severe emaciation could also be seen in animals recovering from the illness. Dead or dying deer discovered close to water in late summer season or early fall are a standard attribute of an EHD outbreak.

Maryland is house to a wholesome white-tailed deer inhabitants that’s routinely topic to EHD outbreaks and simply recovers from the localized results of the illness. EHD shouldn’t be confused with Chronic Wasting Disease, a deadly illness that has been documented in western and central Maryland. 

EHD happens yearly however its distribution and prevalence are extremely variable. Occurrence might contain a number of scattered circumstances or might seem as dramatic, extremely seen, localized outbreaks. The onset of freezing climate sometimes kills the midges that transmit the virus and brings an finish to EHD outbreaks. 

Hunters, out of doors lovers, and different residents who encounter a sick or freshly lifeless deer shouldn’t disturb or take away the animal however are inspired to contact their native or regional DNR wildlife workplace to report the placement. 

More information about Maryland’s white-tailed deer is obtainable on the DNR web site at dnr.maryland.gov (for extra on EHD, search Diseases and Parasites of Maryland Deer) or contact the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.