As EHD Kills Deer Up North, What Does It Mean for Texas Hunters?

Deer die-offs linked to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) are making headlines in several northern states, raising understandable concern among hunters and landowners farther south. EHD is not new in Texas, but its impact can vary widely depending on weather patterns and midge activity. As wildlife agencies continue their routine monitoring, many Texans are asking what these northern outbreaks mean for local herds.

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What Is Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease?

States like Michigan are experiencing their worst outbreak of EHD in years. With fewer deer, hunters are having less rewarding outings. EHD is "an acute, infectious, often fatal viral disease of some wild ruminants," that is spread by the midge fly. Hunters can spot EHD in deer as they will be weak, slobbering, and unafraid of humans.

How EHD Typically Affects Deer Herds

EHD has a very high mortality rate, meaning massive losses to affected deer herds. Certain areas of the country will see considerably fewer deer this year, and hunters in certain states will be disappointed. However, deer are remarkable survivors, and while this year may be a bust, their population likely will come back- it just might take a few years to get back to levels seen before the EHD outbreak.

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Should Texas Hunters Be Worried About EHD?

Luckily for Texas hunters, many of our deer have antibodies that protect them from EHD. Our deer have been exposed to the problem much longer and have adapted. However, infections can and do still happen, particularly if midges are thriving.

In Texas,  our primary cause for concern is Chronic Wasting Disease, which affects multiple species of deer, including those native to Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife is making coordinated efforts to study and hopefully mitigate the disease for our deer populations.

Hunters are an important resource for protecting our deer herds, and are some of the first people to see and report disease spread in deer populations. If you are a hunter and want to help, you can find out more from Texas Parks and Wildlife.