A virus that can cause illness in deer is now confirmed in Wisconsin cattle for only the second time.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) says samples from non-lactating dairy cattle in Waukesha County tested positive for epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). The disease has also been found in wild and captive deer in the area.
EHD is spread by biting flies called midges or no-see-ums. The disease is most common in late summer and early fall, when these insects are more active. The state’s previous confirmed case of EHD in cattle was reported in 2013.
What should you watch for?
EHD is much more commonly associated with deer than cattle. Cattle typically do not show symptoms, and when they do, illness is usually not severe.
Possible signs in cattle include:
- Lameness
- Sores on the legs, mouth or teats
- Excessive salivation
- Fever
- Weight loss
Some of these symptoms, particularly sores around the mouth, teats or hooves, can look similar to symptoms of other serious livestock diseases. That’s why DATCP is recommending that you contact your veterinarian if you see signs of illness.
Veterinarians can collect blood or tissue samples for laboratory testing to determine whether EHD is responsible or whether another disease may be involved.
EHD is not a threat to people
Officials with DATCP says there is no evidence that EHD infects humans. People are not considered at risk from insect bites or from direct contact with, or consumption of, meat or milk from cattle or deer infected with EHD.
Meantime, there is no treatment for EHD, so experts say you should focus on maintaining overall herd health. This includes paying particular attention to flying-insect and parasite control, nutrition, and avoiding overcrowding.
The presence of the disease in cattle also indicates that the EHD virus is circulating in the environment.
EHD cases must be reported to DATCP within 10 days. If you see possible symptoms in cattle or farm-raised deer, you’ll want to work with your veterinarian to get a diagnosis.
If a veterinarian also suspects a foreign animal disease, the case should be reported immediately to a DATCP district veterinarian.
