What’s killing hundreds of deer? Here’s what to know.

More than 700 white-tailed deer have been reported dead in one Wisconsin county this summer, part of a growing outbreak that wildlife officials believe is being driven by a virus spread by tiny biting insects.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says the reports, which began in July and were initially concentrated in Washington County, now include Waukesha and Ozaukee counties. As of Sept. 3, the agency had received more than 700 reports in Washington County, more than 150 in Waukesha County and just over 30 in Ozaukee County.

The disease is called epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. It can spread quickly through deer populations during late summer and fall, when the insects that carry the virus are most active.

Here's what to know about the outbreak and the disease behind it.

EHD is a viral disease that affects white-tailed deer and other hoofed animals. It is spread by biting midges, tiny insects sometimes called "no-see-ums."

In severe cases, the virus can cause a high fever, internal bleeding and organ damage. Infected deer may become weak, salivate heavily or develop foam around their noses.

Because of the fever and dehydration, sick deer often seek water. Wildlife officials have found many…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/