MADISON, Wis. — A virus better known for killing white-tailed deer has been confirmed in Wisconsin dairy cattle for only the second time on record, giving farmers another animal-health issue to watch until cold weather shuts down the insects that spread it.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection confirmed Sept. 29 that samples from non-lactating dairy cattle in Waukesha County tested positive for the virus that causes epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. No Green County cattle cases have been reported.
New Glarus 360 reached out to two of the more prominent large-animal veterinary practices serving the area, Argyle Veterinary Service and Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center. Both said they were not keenly aware of the state notice and, as a result, declined to comment.
The finding is unusual but not considered a major threat to Wisconsin dairy herds. EHD is spread by tiny biting flies known as midges or no-see-ums, which are most active in late summer and early fall. Wisconsin previously reported EHD in cattle in 2013.
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