Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease

The epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer is a viral disease that affects mule and white -tailed deer in particular and classic course with severe bleeding (bleeding) associated. Although other deer and ruminants (cattle, buffalo, antelope ) can be infected by the virus, but rarely develop symptoms. The disease occurs in North America, Africa and Asia. The Epizootic haemorrhagic disease is one of Germany notifiable animal diseases, is here but never occurred .. The man is not susceptible to the disease.

Pathogen

The causative agent of epizootic haemorrhagic disease Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus is the ( EHDV ) in the genus Orbi virus of the family Reoviridae. At least eight serotypes can be distinguished. Transmission is by stinging and biting insects ( esp. in North America Culicoides variipennis ).

Most ill only Mule and white-tailed deer. One of the strains, the Southeast Asia occurring Ibaraki serotype in cattle calls one of bluetongue ( also by a reovirus causes ) like illness forth.

Clinical picture

The epizootic haemorrhagic disease may extend peracute, acute, chronic or subclinical.

The peracute course is associated with severe edema of the head ( including the tongue and conjunctiva) and of the neck and ends rapidly fatal. Pathologically can be pulmonary edema, but rarely demonstrate bleeding.

The acute form is characterized by high fever, loss of appetite, excessive bleeding heart, tripe and intestines. In addition, ulcerative changes on the tongue, gums, rumen and abomasum occur. As a result of bleeding produces a cyanosis, which manifests itself among other things, a blue discolouration of the tongue.

The chronic form manifests itself in lameness.

Diagnosis

Clinically, the disease is indistinguishable from bluetongue, so that isolation and identification of the virus is necessary. The virus can be grown in cell cultures. In frozen sections of affected tissue can be detected by immunofluorescence.

According to the current EU legislation ( Official Journal L 208, 10/06/2004, pp. 0032-0046 ) is in the AGID test suspected case of positive findings, a competitive ELISA is additionally required.

Combat

There is no practical control measures. The animal disease is notifiable in Germany.