A new virus has been detected in deer in Van Buren County.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has just confirmed its first case of EHD, or epizootic hemorrhagic disease. It was found in free-ranging, white-tailed deer from Eaton, Jackson, Van Buren, and Washtenaw counties.

Signs that a deer is infected with EHD are a bloody nose, a swollen or blue tongue, swelling eyelids, or disoriented behavior. Those infected are often found around bodies of water due to dehydration.

The DNR encourages people to submit diseased wildlife reports online.

There is no evidence that humans, household pets, or other Michigan wildlife can contract the EHD virus, and the DNR says venison harvested in areas affected by EHD is safe for consumption. Still, it asks anyone who suspects EHD in the area to report it.