EHD question

Hemorraghic viruses are passed on by blood feeding insects after feeding on an infected animal.

Midges as vectors? Yes.

Other blood feeding insects? A qualified yes.Rabbit hemorraghic virus is used down here to control rabbits. Mosquitos & fleas are the main vector for this virus.I was asked by the RSPCA if lice could be a vector on Saturday,but couldnt qualify that.



Yes.The virus is passed on when there is a carrier animal which has been fed on by a vector, which then feed on & infects a healthy animal.



Cheers Sharkey

Sharkey.....are you certain a mosquito can transport the EHD Virus..........you need to be certain before you say yes......this is huge.......bigger than calling a big buck a monster!....please clarify......

I just want to be sure that the midge is the only carrier......is the mosquito also a carrier......how can't it be...it sucks blood from the animal it comes in contact with...so why wouldn't it be a carrier.....? Just asking?

dtala,the midge must first feed upon a carrier.Either control the carriers or vectors to beat this disease.There is two options there.



Our deer have tested positive for EHD antibodies,but as we don't keep any odocoileus we don't have a problem.My problem is with another hemorraghic virus MCF which I feel is more severe,& our mild climate suits the vectors better.Its carrier is sheep,which are everywhere down here.



Finding how EHD overwinters is going to be a huge help.I've already posted earlier that some research comming out of Europe on bluetounge is suggesting that this hemorraghic virus may be wintering in the feoteous, in cattle.You need to be looking at all the hemorraghic viruses for new clues,advances & research not just EHD,which really only goes clinical in odocoileus.



Dennis,Rabbit calicivirus is another of the many hemorraghic viruses.

I can say "yes" that the virus is transmitted between rabbits by mosquitos & fleas.This is one Hemorraghic virus that does,I cant qualify that EHD is transmitted by mosquitoes,but I can qualify that another hemorraghic virus is.



Cheers Sharkey

For what its worth, the midge is the only known vector for EHD in north america.



I have asked and researched many variations, including horse fly. ( They carry anaplas. in cattle )



Im no expert, just spent lots of hours researching.



There is currently a study, and I have been privelaged to have the researcher on site for advise.



USDA

Dr. Lee Cohnstaedt

Center for grain and animal health1515 College Ave

Manhattan, Ks. 66502