LANSING (AP) -- A viral disease that is often fatal to deer has turned up in two Michigan counties.
The state Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday that deer infected with epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, have been found in eastern Ionia and northern Branch counties.
The disease has been confirmed in one deer in each county. DNR spokesman Ed Golder said other carcasses are being tested.
EHD is transmitted by a biting fly. It causes extensive internal bleeding. Infected deer lose their appetite and fear of humans, grow weaker, salivate excessively and finally become unconscious.
They're often found sick or dead along or in bodies of water. There is no evidence that humans can get the EHD virus.
EHD outbreaks have happened in isolated sections of Michigan nearly every year since 2006.
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