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the carcasses of deer that have died from EHD. Mortality rates are high.

Q. Does EHD do the same thing to cattle?
A. No. The clinical disease in cattle is generally much milder and death losses are very infrequent. In the current outbreak, the most common sign noted in cattle is that of excessive drooling. Other signs noted include stiffness or lameness, a crusty peeling muzzle, crusty skin on the teats, fever and a reluctance to eat.

Q. What are veterinarians seeing in these animals? 
A. The most common problem associated with EHD in cattle in this South Dakota outbreak has been that of sores in the mouth. These sores can be found under the upper lips, on the roof of the mouth, or along the gums in the lower jaw as well. Cows may show redness, blistering and leatheriness in their teats. In some cases, sores have been noted in the feet where the skin meets the hoof (coronary band).

Q. Is there any treatment for affected cattle?
A. Not against the EHD virus itself. However, veterinarians working with affected herds have prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics in hopes of preventing problems with secondary bacterial infections that may crop up where the lesions occur. Providing a palatable, accessible source of feed and for these animals is important because of the pain that goes along with the sores in the mouth.