Hunters across much of the southern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula won't be allowed to kill as many deer as usual this fall because of an insect-spread deer disease.

MLive.com reports (http://bit.ly/Q25qJl) new limits on antlerless deer hunting are a response to epizootic hemorrhagic disease. The Department of Natural Resources has collected reports indicating at least 13,200 deer have died from the disease in Michigan this year, and the actual number is likely higher.

Firearm deer hunting season starts next Thursday.

Wildlife officials decided this week that stricter limits on antlerless deer licenses would help populations bounce back faster in hard-hit areas.

The virus causes extensive internal bleeding and is transmitted by a type of biting fly called a midge. The disease isn't a threat to humans.

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Online: http://www.michigan.gov/wildlifedisease