Undiagnosed febrile disease, bovine - Israel (03): EHD susp

International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Source: Website of Israeli Veterinary Services, accessed [abridged, edited]
< http://www.vetserveng.moag.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/E4FA9BC6-5876-45E6-BFA1-619938EBCD47/1557/OutbreakincattleinIsrael.pdf
>

Since 4 Sep 2006, a bluetongue-like disease has been observed in more
than 40 cattle farms situated along the eastern border of Israel,
concentrating in 80 km of the Jordan rift valley, from the Arava
valley in the south to the north of Galilee at the north.

The index case might have taken place at the end of Aug 2006.

There has been morbidity of 10 to 40 percent, with very low
mortality. No cases seen in adjacent sheep and goats farms.

Farm Type: Most Dairy, few Beef and Feedlot.
Breeds: mainly Holstein.
Age: from heifers and calves of 1 year onward.

Clinical signs:
General: Reduced milk production, anorexia, reduced rumination,
fever, weakness, dyspnea.
Oronasal symptoms: clear to purulent nasal discharge, salivation,
nasal and lips redness and scaling, tongue swelling and erosions.
Ocular lesions: conjunctival hyperemia, redness and oedema.
Gait symptoms: Stiff gait, lameness, muscle tremors, recumbency.

Different farmers and vets report different clinical signs; not all
the above clinical signs seen on the same farm.

Duration of clinical disease: Several to 14 days.

Of 6 samples, 2 from the field which were sent to Pirbright were
found positive to EHD [Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease]. All the
samples were negative to bluetongue.

More samples were sent for diagnosis to England. Other laboratory
investigations are in process.

The affected farms have been put under quarantine. Farmers were
instructed to spray the cattle and environment with certified
insecticides since it seems that the disease is spread by insects.
The treatment of affected cows is symptomatic.