Deer Disease Found in Some ND Cattle

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A fatal disease that has struck North Dakota's deer population this year is now being found in cattle.

State Veterinarian Susan Keller says cattle cases of the disease commonly known as EHD have been reported in several counties. She says ranchers should be looking for symptoms in their herds, including excessive salivation, swollen tongues, and lameness.

The state Game and Fish Department last month suspended further sales of deer hunting licenses because of an outbreak of EHD in deer. Agency Wildlife Veterinarian Dan Grove says deer south and west of the Missouri River have been affected, particularly in Sioux and Grant counties.

White-tailed deer that are infected almost always die, but Keller says infected cattle usually recover. The disease poses no threat to people.