EHD Confirmed in Washington Cows

In cattle, signs of EHD can mimic those of foot and mouth disease (FMD).
In cattle, signs of EHD can mimic those of foot and mouth disease (FMD).
(U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has confirmed diagnosis of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in four cows in eastern Washington. EHD primarily affects wild deer, but the vector-borne virus can cross over to cattle.

“Although EHD is seldom prevalent in cattle, we must show an abundance of caution and investigate each case due to the similarity of symptoms this disease has with the highly contagious and economically disastrous foot-and-mouth disease,” says Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Brian Joseph.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) belongs to the genus Orbivirus, family Reoviridae, according to a fact sheet from the Center for Food Safety and Public Health, Iowa State University (CFSPH). At least seven recognized serotypes of EHDV circulate among cervids worldwide.

EHD Outbreaks in cattle generally are milder than in deer, but can result in reduced productivity, lower milk yield and occasional deaths.

Several species of midges from the Culicoides genus serve as biological vectors for the EHD virus, and with no vaccines available in the United States, insect control remains the best preventive measure against the disease. Supportive care is the only treatment for infected cows.

According to the CFSPH, signs of EHD can include:

  • Fever
  • Anorexia
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness, stiffness/ lameness
  • Respiratory distress
  • Severe and rapid edema of the head and neck
  • Swelling of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity
  • Swelling and hyperemia of the conjunctiva
  • Ulcers and erosions in the oral cavity resulting in excessive salivation and nasal discharge, sometimes blood-tinged
  • Diarrhea and dehydration
  • Progressive abnormalities in blood clotting, with extensive hemorrhages in many tissues including the skin and gastrointestinal tract
  • Deaths are common during the acute stage of the disease
  • Surviving animals may have ulcers, erosions, scars and other damage to the lining of the rumen and omasum, resulting in prolonged lethargy, inappetence and emaciation
  • Breaks or rings in the hooves caused by growth interruptions, resulting in lameness, and in some cases, sloughing of the hoof wall or toe

The Washington State Department of Agriculture reminds producers that signs in cattle such as excessive drooling, lethargy, lameness or oral and nasal lesions with ulceration, can resemble those for the more virulent and economically devastating foot-and-mouth disease.
 

For more on EHD and similar diseases in cattle, see these articles from BovineVetOnline.com:

EHD can be a threat to cattle

Compare Anaplasmosis Control Strategies

VSV Reports Leveling Off

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.