Switzerland - First case of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) discovered in a calf

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First case of epizootic hemorrhagic disease discovered in a calf

Bern, 11.10.2023 - Veterinary authorities have identified epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in a calf on a farm in the canton of Bern. This is the first proven case in the territory. Transmitted by the bite of midges, EHD mainly affects deer and cattle. This disease is not dangerous for humans.

The epizootic haemorrhagic disease EHD (epizootic haemorrhagic disease) appeared on a farm in the municipality of Wohlen, in the canton of Bern. Transmitted by the bite of midges (culicoides), it can be characterized by sudden high fever, bleeding in different places of the body and apathy. Hemorrhagic diarrhea may also occur. However, many cases of illness, like the one currently plaguing the canton of Bern, are mild. Among livestock, cattle are the most affected. The clinical symptoms of EHD are indistinguishable from those of blue tongue disease. Sheep and goats can also be infected, but they rarely show recognizable symptoms.

In Switzerland, EHD is part of the category of epizootics to be combated. Its introduction and establishment in the territory are possible as long as susceptible animals and transmission vectors are present. The main risk is the spread of infected midges. Mortality among livestock is very low. There is therefore no obligation to put to death the infected animal, except if it is seriously ill, nor other animals on the farm.

Restrictions for international trade
Following the appearance of this case, Switzerland is no longer considered free from EHD, which leads to restrictions on international trade for livestock and their semen. Since 2022, the disease has spread in Europe. Outbreaks have appeared in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France.

Treatment
Currently no vaccine against this epizootic is authorized within the European Union or in Switzerland. Cases of epizootics and suspicious symptoms must be reported to the veterinarian. This disease is not dangerous for humans: it is not transmissible and the consumption of products from an infected animal does not constitute any danger.

https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/fr/home/dokumentation/nsb-news-list.msg-id-98156.html

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EHD: measures taken to stem the spread of the disease

Bern, 16.10.2023 - After the detection, a few days ago, of the first case of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in a calf in Switzerland, the Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO) orders measures disease control to prevent the spread of the epizootic. The order is published today and takes effect tomorrow. Meanwhile, a second case of EHD has been reported in the canton of Jura.

Last week, Switzerland recorded the first case of EHD in a calf in the canton of Bern (see press release of October 11, 2023). Now a second case has been confirmed in a cow in the canton of Jura. As the disease is transmitted by the bite of midges, further cases can be expected. In Switzerland, EHD is part of the category of epizootics to be combated. Mortality among livestock is very low. There is therefore no obligation to put the infected animal to death, unless it is seriously ill. The same applies to other animals on the farm concerned.

Explanations regarding the FSVO order
The order establishing measures to prevent the spread of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) leads to a restriction of international trade. It prohibits the export of live animals susceptible to the disease. The export of germinal products, namely semen, ova and embryos, is subject to charges. Animal movements in Switzerland are not subject to any restrictions.

Fight against the disease
As there is currently no authorized vaccine against EHD, the fight is limited to stopping the spread of the disease by placing the farms concerned under sequestration (no animal can leave or enter the farm concerned) . In the case of EHD, the sequestration is long-term: it can only be lifted when all susceptible animals in the herd have tested negative for the disease twice at an interval of at least 60 days. No new infections should have been detected.

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) can be characterized by sudden high fever, bleeding in different parts of the body and listlessness. Hemorrhagic diarrhea may also occur. However, many cases of illness, like the one currently plaguing the canton of Bern, are mild. Among livestock, cattle are the most affected. The clinical symptoms of EHD are indistinguishable from those of blue tongue disease. Sheep and goats can also be infected, but they rarely show recognizable symptoms. The epizootic is subject to mandatory notification. Cases of epizootics and suspicious symptoms must be reported to the veterinarian. The disease is not dangerous for humans. It is not transmissible to humans and consuming products from an infected animal presents no risk.

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Address for sending questions
Federal Office of Food Safety and
Veterinary Affairs (FSVO)
Media Service
Tel. 058 463 78 98
media@blv.admin.ch

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