MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirms Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in non-lactating dairy cattle in Waukesha County.
Samples from the cattle tested positive for the virus, which is more often found in deer. EHD is a viral disease transmitted by biting flies, also known as midges or no-see-ums.
DATCP officials report that “[u]nlike 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”.
While the current cases indicate that virus is circulating in the environment, there is no treatment for EHD. Health officials note there is no evidence that EHD infects humans, and that humans are not at risk from the insect bites or exposure to meat or milk from EHD-infected deer or cattle.
The last care of EHD reported in cattle was in 2013. There are currently around 10 cases confirmed in deer in Milwaukee County.
If a Foreign Animal Disease is also suspected, herd owners should work with their veterinarian to immediately report to a DATCP district veterinarian.
