EHD Virus Detected in Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle in Waukesha County

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said that laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) virus in non-lactating dairy cattle from Waukesha County. The agency also reported that the virus has been identified in tissue samples taken from wild and captive deer in the same region.

EHD is transmitted by biting midges and typically appears in late summer and early fall, declining after the first hard frost. The state last recorded an EHD case in cattle in 2013, and cattle usually show few or no symptoms, unlike deer which can exhibit more obvious signs.

"When cattle do show symptoms, they can include lameness, fever, weight loss, excessive salivation, and sores on the limbs, mouth, or teats," the department noted.

Because lesions on cattle can resemble those of foreign animal diseases, officials advise herd owners to work with veterinarians for definitive testing. Samples such as blood, spleen, lung or lymph node tissue can be submitted for laboratory analysis.

State officials emphasized that there is no evidence the virus can infect humans, and that consumption or handling of meat and milk from infected animals does not pose a risk.