2023-11-10 15:59:28
What is epizootic hemorrhagic disease?
Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a non-contagious viral disease that only affects certain animals. It is not transmitted to humans.
How is epizootic hemorrhagic disease transmitted?
Only midges Culicoides can transmit the disease by biting a healthy animal following having previously bitten a sick animal. The disease is not contagious: a sick animal cannot directly infect another.
Which animals are affected by epizootic hemorrhagic disease?
MHE infects:
- cattle and deer mainly,
- more rarely sheep.
What are the symptoms of epizootic hemorrhagic disease?
In cattle, this disease results in fever, anorexia, lameness and respiratory distress. It is fatal in less than 1% of cases. Small ruminants – sheep and goats – can also carry the virus but symptomatic cases have so far only been detected in sheep.
The vast majority of animals recover and return to normal following a few days or weeks of rest and care.
On the other hand, deer mortality can exceed 90%.
Is epizootic hemorrhagic disease transmitted to humans?
The virus is not transmitted to humans.
What is the origin of MHE?
First discovered in the United States in 1955, the virus has since spread to Asia, Australia and Africa. It was detected for the first time in Europe in 2022 (in Italy then in Spain). It reached France in 2023.
Its expansion is a direct consequence of climate change, which allows the midges that carry the disease to survive in our regions.
What is the epidemiological situation in France?
To monitor the epidemiological situation, consult the website of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Is there a treatment for epizootic hemorrhagic disease?
There are 7 different serotypes of the virus, knowing that serotypes 1 and 3 are identical. The one that arrived in Europe belongs to serotype 8. No vaccine once morest this serotype is available to date. Vaccines used in Japan or the United States were developed once morest other serotypes and will not be effective once morest this one. Manufacturers are considering the development of a vaccine adapted to this serotype.
In the meantime, to slow the spread of the virus, other measures, although of limited effectiveness, exist:
- test animals and prohibit the transport of ruminants from infected areas,
- treat animals with insecticides.
What are the authorities putting in place to prevent epizootic hemorrhagic disease?
Zoning measures have been put in place: animals can only leave this infected zone following having been tested by PCR.
What is ANSES doing regarding epizootic hemorrhagic disease?
The ANSES animal health laboratory is the reference laboratory for this disease for France and for the World Organization for Animal Health (WHOSA). In this capacity, he identified the virus, sequenced the viral genome, validated PCR tests and set up a network of approved laboratories capable of identifying cases.
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