media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2012
Contact: Christi
Lightcap, (303) 239-4190, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us
Epizootic
Hemorrhagic Disease Diagnosed in Colorado
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has been diagnosed
in yak at two locations in Larimer County and one location in Alamosa County;
these three cases have been confirmed by laboratory diagnostic tests at
Colorado State University.
There have been field reports of other yak in
various Colorado locations that have shown similar clinical signs but those
sick animals have not had laboratory tests performed to confirm the presence of
the EHD virus.
“We have not had confirmed positives of EHD in recent years but this is
the time of year, in late summer and early fall, that we would expect to see
cases,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Keith Roehr.
EHD is a viral disease that affects deer, cattle and,
most recently, yak.
Signs of EHC includeThe
signs that may be expressed with EHD are fever, loss of appetite,
weakness, respiratory distress, and swelling of the tongue, and erosive lesions
in the mouth. The disease cannot be
transmitted by direct contact and is spread by insects, most commonly midges or
gnats.
“Occurrence of the disease will diminish as hard
frosts kill the virus and virus carrying
insects. Until then, it is important for
producers to practice insect control to
help prevent the spread of the disease,” said Roehr.
Occurrence of the disease will diminish as hard
frosts kill the virus as well as the
virus carrying insects.
Recently, cases in deer and cattle have been
diagnosed in Nebraska and South Dakota. The deer population in Nebraska has
seen a significant number of cases this year. Further investigation is ongoing
to determine if the outbreak in Colorado may be tied to the Nebraska
cases. those cases in Nebraska.
“It is important that livestock producers and
veterinarians are aware of the potential of EHD to affect their livestock,”
said Dr. Roehr.
The EHD virus does not affect people. While there is no direct treatment
for the EHD virus, supportive care is important to enable animals to recover
from the disease. Insect control is an important tool to prevent
disease.
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