Authorities in the UK are closely monitoring the spread of Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which has recently been reported in Spain, Portugal, and Southern Italy. EHD is an insect-borne viral disease that primarily affects wild and domestic ruminant species. It was added to the World Organisation of Animal Health’s list of notifiable diseases in 2008 but does not pose a threat to human or public health. The disease is transmitted by tiny Culicoides midges, causing symptoms such as fever, weakness, skin rash, and even sudden death, especially in deer. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available for EHD in wildlife populations.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD): EHD is an insect-borne viral disease that primarily affects ruminant species, both wild and domestic. It was listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation of Animal Health in 2008 and is currently of concern in several European countries.
- Culicoides Midges: Culicoides midges, often referred to as “no-see-ums” or gnats, are tiny biting flies responsible for transmitting EHD between ruminant hosts. They are smaller than mosquitoes and other common flies.
- Orbivirus Genus: The causative agent of EHD, the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), belongs to the Orbivirus genus. This genus includes various viruses that can affect both animals and humans.
- Clinical Signs of EHD: EHD can cause a range of symptoms in affected animals, including fever, weakness, skin rashes, mouth ulcers, and even sudden death, particularly in deer.
- No Treatment or Vaccine: Currently, there is no specific treatment for EHD in wildlife populations, and there is no commercially available vaccine to protect against this disease. Management strategies typically focus on surveillance and prevention of its spread.
