Amish Country
Well-known member
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease HAS been diagnosed in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Although the diagnosis was made using samples from a captive deer, there have been numerous reports of dead free-roaming wild white tail deer in the same area.
This is a very serious, often fatal disease affecting deer and other cervids. It has been implicated in previous mass fatality events of deer in various parts of the country. Weather conditions this summer may have predisposed the area to an outbreak of this disease. This serotype of EHD is particularly virulent, and we are seeing close to 100% morbidity and mortality in the index herd (cases are ongoing, so 100% may unfortunately be reached soon).
Please see below for the emergency notification that was sent out yesterday from Harrisburg. I sincerely hope that this disease does not affect any additional herds and is limited in scope in the wild population, but please be aware that this disease is active in our area at this time.
EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUS DETECTED IN WHITETAIL DEER FROM NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
On August 24, 2011, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study laboratory in Athens, Georgia confirmed that samples from a whitetail deer on a Northampton County farm tested positive for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Serotype 2.
The EHD virus is transmitted by biting midges, commonly called gnats of the Genus Culicoides. These insects are often more numerous in areas associated with stagnant water so keeping deer away from such areas may reduce the number of cases. There is no fully licensed EHD-2 vaccine in the U.S. but a restricted use product may be available. Farmers should consult with their herd veterinarian for advice to protect their animals. Veterinarians considering the use of the vaccine should contact Dr. Nan Hanshaw (717-783-5301 or 717-772-2852) for approval and instructions on this restricted-use product.
The EHD virus is not transmitted to people. Although other livestock can be infected, the disease has limited signs and is likely to go unnoticed.
Producers and veterinarians with questions about diagnosis can call the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory at 717-787-8808.
Source:
http://ballietandassc.com/Documents/Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Alert 2011.doc
This is a very serious, often fatal disease affecting deer and other cervids. It has been implicated in previous mass fatality events of deer in various parts of the country. Weather conditions this summer may have predisposed the area to an outbreak of this disease. This serotype of EHD is particularly virulent, and we are seeing close to 100% morbidity and mortality in the index herd (cases are ongoing, so 100% may unfortunately be reached soon).
Please see below for the emergency notification that was sent out yesterday from Harrisburg. I sincerely hope that this disease does not affect any additional herds and is limited in scope in the wild population, but please be aware that this disease is active in our area at this time.
EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUS DETECTED IN WHITETAIL DEER FROM NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
On August 24, 2011, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study laboratory in Athens, Georgia confirmed that samples from a whitetail deer on a Northampton County farm tested positive for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Serotype 2.
The EHD virus is transmitted by biting midges, commonly called gnats of the Genus Culicoides. These insects are often more numerous in areas associated with stagnant water so keeping deer away from such areas may reduce the number of cases. There is no fully licensed EHD-2 vaccine in the U.S. but a restricted use product may be available. Farmers should consult with their herd veterinarian for advice to protect their animals. Veterinarians considering the use of the vaccine should contact Dr. Nan Hanshaw (717-783-5301 or 717-772-2852) for approval and instructions on this restricted-use product.
The EHD virus is not transmitted to people. Although other livestock can be infected, the disease has limited signs and is likely to go unnoticed.
Producers and veterinarians with questions about diagnosis can call the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory at 717-787-8808.
Source:
http://ballietandassc.com/Documents/Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Alert 2011.doc