State agriculture officials say a disease fueled by the Midwest drought that’s often fatal to deer is showing up in cattle in Nebraska.
State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes has confirmed nine cases. The disease, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, or EHD, is spread by biting gnats and leads to internal bleeding. More than 700 deer are known to have been killed so far this summer in Illinois.
Hughes says EHD is transmitted from deer to cattle by the biting gnats. Symptoms in cattle include fever, swollen eyes, ulcers on the mouth, lameness and labored breathing.
Hughes says the cases aren’t confined to a particular area. Producers are urged to contact their veterinarian if the suspect the disease.
EHD outbreaks typically end with the first frost that’s cold enough to kill insects.
