2 cases of new, tick-borne disease in cows pop up in Kentucky

FLEMING COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) — Two cases of a new, potentially dangerous tick-borne disease in cows have been detected in Kentucky.

The cases were found in Fleming and Hart Counties, according to Kentucky State Veterinarian Dr. Katie Flynn. The Department of Agriculture is working with agriculture producers to protect cattle across the state. Veterinarians say there are signs of the disease to look out for.

“We’ll see fever, lethargy, despondent cattle; we’ll see Icarus or jaundice; in other words, cows that are infected will have mucus membranes around the nose, tongue, eyes. The gums are either pale or when I say icteric, maybe have a yellow color in essence. If they are pregnant some of the cows will abort a calf because of this and we will see some deaths along with it as well,” said Deputy State Veterinarian Kerry Barling.

Veterinarians add the disease is not a threat to people.