Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease or EHD is a viral disease caused by biting midges and affecting mainly white-tailed deer. Biting midges are tiny, blood sucking flies that vector diseases for non-human mammals and a major pest. These flies will bite a deer and transmit EHD, now infecting that deer. EHD is not contagious from deer to deer, however, is spread through the biting midges. Not only does the midge replicate and transmit the disease, but the disease can also be replicated in cattle- although less common. Outbreaks of EHD are often associated with dry or drought like conditions and outbreaks will decrease all the weathers cools off and turns into fall then winter. Often times, infected deer can be seen coming near humans/man-made areas, large areas of water or staying out of the direct sunlight. Once dead, these infected deer are often found in or near water.

Infected deer symptoms:

• Loss of Appetite
• No fear/awareness
• Swelling around head and neck
• Dehydration and Weakness
• Difficulty Breathing/Heavy Breathing
• Excessive Salvation
• Lethargy
• Lameness
• Blue-colored mouth/tongue
• Bloody urine
• Internal bleeding from major organs

If you believe you have found a sick deer, or any wildlife, please contact Ohio Division of Natural Resources to report your findings.

EHD can also be transmitted to other ruminants, particularly cattle. Even though cattle are susceptible to EHD, their infections are generally more mild. If you suspect your animal may be sick, please contact your veterinarian immediately. In cattle, fly control for biting flies may be helpful in preventing EHD. You can use pour-ons, dust bags and sprays to try and prevent the fly from biting your cattle. These flies commonly will feed the belly, legs and around the feet of cattle, so make sure to do whole body fly prevention treatments. Having a good veterinary, client, patient relationship is essential to keeping your herd healthy. Veterinarians will be able to develop an adequate prevention and biting fly control program that will most benefit you and your herd. At this time, there has been one confirmed infection of EHD in a cow in Meigs county.

Infected cattle symptoms:

• Excessive Salivation
• Fever
• Weight Loss
• Stiffness/Lameness
• Hoof sores and soreness
• Crusty muzzle or teats
• Loss of Appetite
• Lethargy
• Sores in mouth

For more information check out EHD in Cattle Fact Sheet- ODA