Viral Disease Has Killed 1,700 Deer Statewide

LANSING (AP) - State wildlife officials say more than 1,700 white-tailed deer have been killed this summer by a disease affecting several counties in the southern half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources say the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, has been worst in Ionia County, where more than 1,100 deer have died.

DNR officials say 225 deer have been killed in Branch County, followed by 153 in Clinton County and 101 in Calhoun County.

Officials previously said the untreatable viral disease that causes extensive internal bleeding and is transmitted by a type of biting fly called a midge is on the rise nationwide because of hot, dry weather.

Officials say there is no evidence that humans can get the disease.

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