OHIO (EHD) Outbreak

Ohio is experiencing its most significant epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreak in recorded history, with the worst impact centered in the southeastern part of the state. As of late September 2025, over 8,000 cases of sick or dead deer had been reported to the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW), a sharp increase from 2,093 reports in 2024.

Overview of the 2025 outbreak

Epicenter: The counties most severely affected are Athens, Meigs, and Washington, where thousands of dead deer have been reported.

Widespread cases: By late September, the disease had been confirmed in 32 counties. Other significantly impacted counties include Ashland, Knox, and Richland in north-central Ohio.

Proposed hunting changes: Due to the severe outbreak, the ODOW proposed reducing the bag limit for deer from three to two in the worst-hit counties.

Cause of outbreak: Environmental factors in 2025 were ideal for the midge population that carries the virus. A warmer, wetter spring followed by an extremely dry August created the muddy, stagnant conditions where the midges thrive.

About EHD

• Symptoms: Infected deer may appear lethargic, disoriented, or unafraid of humans. They can also have swelling of the tongue, eyelids, and neck and often seek out water sources due to a fever.

• Fatality: Deer with little natural resistance to the virus typically die within a few days of showing symptoms.

• Transmission: The virus is spread by the bite of an infected midge, a small flying insect. It is not contagious among deer and does not affect humans, pets, or livestock.

• Seasonality: EHD is eliminated after the first hard freeze of the season, which kills the midges.

• Herd impact: Midwestern deer populations have little resistance, so outbreaks can cause high mortality. However, herds can recover within a few years.

What to do if you find a sick or dead deer

• Report it: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) encourages citizens to report abnormally behaving or dead deer.

• Do not approach: Sick deer can be disoriented and behave unpredictably, so do not approach them.

• Don't consume: While EHD does not affect humans, the ODNR urges caution and advises against consuming any sick deer.

• Proper disposal: Carcasses can be buried on site, taken to a landfill, or covered with agricultural lime to neutralize the odor and aid decomposition.

Has the Ohio DNR adjusted deer hunting regulations due to EHD?

Yes, the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) adjusted deer hunting regulations in response to the EHD outbreak. Starting on December 1, 2025, the bag limit in the hardest-hit counties of Athens, Meigs, and Washington was reduced from three deer to two.

Summary of the hunting regulation change

• Affected counties: The bag limit reduction applies only to Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties, which were the epicenter of the EHD outbreak.

• Effective date: The new two-deer bag limit takes effect on December 1, 2025, which is the beginning of Ohio's deer gun season.

• Duration: The reduced limit will remain in effect until the end of the 2025–2026 deer hunting season on February 1, 2026.

• Statewide limits: Deer bag limits in all other Ohio counties remain unchanged.

  
  

How the decision was made

Public input: The ODOW accepted public comments on the proposed rule change through October 16, 2025. A public hearing was also held on October 22, 2025.

Wildlife Council vote: The ODOW's proposal was approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council after receiving public feedback. The goal of the reduction is to help the severely impacted deer population recover faster by limiting the harvest.

most severe Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) outbreak on record, with thousands of deer confirmed dead across 22 counties, primarily in the southeast. The disease is spread by biting midges and causes internal bleeding and high fever in deer, leading to rapid death. The outbreak is expected to continue until the first hard frost kills the insects.