(AP) -- Whitetail deer in three southwestern Michigan counties have been diagnosed with a sometimes-fatal sickness called epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD.
The state Department of Natural Resources and Environment says infected deer have turned up the past two weeks in Berrien, Cass and Ottawa counties. The disease is transmitted by a biting fly. It causes extensive bleeding and high fever. Deer that become infected lose their appetite, become weak, develop rapid heartbeat and finally pass out. Officials say there's no evidence that people get EHD.
The virus was first detected in Michigan in 1995. It has caused occasional deer die-offs during the years. People who see deer with symptoms of the disease are asked to contact the nearest DNRE office.
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