MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirmed that samples collected from non-lactating dairy cattle in Waukesha County tested positive for the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). This disease has also been detected in tissue from wild and captive deer in the region. EHD is a disease that must be reported to DATCP within 10 days.
EHD is a viral disease transmitted by biting flies, also known as midges or no-see-ums. EHD is typically found in late summer and early fall when insects are present in higher numbers. New cases generally subside after the first significant frost of the season.
Wisconsin previously reported a case of EHD in cattle in 2013. Unlike in deer, it is unusual for cattle to experience symptoms of the disease. When affected, cattle may exhibit lameness, sores on the limbs, mouth, or teats, excess salivation, fever, or weight loss. While these symptoms are rarely severe in cattle, symptoms such as oral, teat or hoof lesions may be difficult to distinguish from some Foreign Animal Diseases without further testing.
If symptoms of disease are observed in cattle or farm-raised deer herds, herd owners are encouraged to work with their veterinarian to obtain a definitive diagnosis. A veterinarian can submit blood, spleen, lung, or lymph node samples for laboratory testing to differentiate EHD from other diseases with similar symptoms. If a Foreign Animal Disease is also suspected, herd owners should work with their veterinarian to immediately report to a DATCP district veterinarian.
There is no treatment for EHD. These cases indicate that virus is circulating in the environment. Herd owners should work with their veterinarian to maintain the general health of the herd. Herd owners should also pay particular attention to parasite control (including flying insects), nutrition, and avoiding overcrowding. There is no evidence that EHD infects humans. Humans are not at risk from insect bites or direct exposure to or consumption of meat or milk from EHD-infected cattle or deer.
Comments