ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) -- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has lowered the bonus antlerless deer quota in Allen and Wabash counties this hunting season due to reports of sick deer in those counties. The change lowered the number from two bonus antlerless deer to just one, but it will not affect Deer Reduction Zones. According to the DNR, the decision stemmed from the impact of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) on deer in Allen and Wabash counties. EHD is a viral disease that affects white-tailed deer and is transmitted by biting midges, also known as sand gnats or “no-see-ums.” Data on the DNR's website show Allen and Wabash counties both rank among the top three Indiana counties with the most reports of suspected EHD cases in deer. Porter County, which has the most reports, also had its bonus antlerless deer quota lowered by the DNR. Cases typically occur during late summer and early fall, and there is evidence that outbreaks can be more severe in years where a wet spring follows a hot, dry fall, according to the DNR. Symptoms include lethargy, excessive salivation or disorientation. EHD also causes fever in deer, and many deer that die from the disease are found near water sources since the fever causes deer to seek out water. The effects of EHD on deer this year will be evaluated after the hunting season is over, and the DNR and make additional changes if necessary. While contracting EHD is often fatal for deer, some may recover and develop an immunity, and the DNR encouraged hunters to look for signs of deer that have recovered from the disease, which include sloughing or breaking on their hooves. Humans are not at risk for contracting EHD, according to the DNR. Anyone who finds a deer that is showing signs of EHD or dead in water is asked to report it online.