A cow with Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) was recently detected in an eastern Wyoming cattle herd. The cow was off-feed and drooling, and following a physical examination by local veterinarians, vesicular lesions involving the mouth were detected. Samples for laboratory diagnosis were collected immediately by USDA APHIS veterinarians and forwarded to USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory at Plum Island, NY to make certain the lesions were not caused by other, similar looking diseases foreign to U.S. livestock. The affected cow is now recovering.
EHD is a viral disease usually affecting deer. However, with certain environmental conditions, the disease may spill-over into domestic livestock which has been the case this year. Cases in deer have been found in northeastern Wyoming recently. And, cases in deer and cattle have been found in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Colorado also within the past few months. EHD is spread by insects such as biting midges often located near available water sources.
Wyoming livestock producers should not hesitate to call their veterinarian if similar disease signs are noted in their herds.
For further information or questions, please contact Dr. Jim Logan, WY State Veterinarian, (307) 421-1682, Dr. Bob Meyer, WY Assistant State Veterinarian, (307) 256-0952, or Dr. Michael McDole, USDA APHIS, (307) 432-7960.
Source: WY Department of Livestock
Posted by Northern Ag Network
