Bovine ephemeral fever: Three Day Sickness
Summary
Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF) is a viral disease of cattle and buffalo. Typically, affected animals are only sick for a few days, hence the alternative name - Three Day Sickness.
There is a sudden onset of fever- as high as 410C compared with the normal temperature of about 380C. The temperature returns to normal within 36 hours.
The first sign in milking cows is a sudden and severe drop in milk production. Cows in advanced pregnancy may abort. This is probably because of the fever, rather than a specific effect of the virus.
Animals stop eating and drinking and become depressed. They usually drool saliva, develop a stringy nasal discharge, and may have watery eyes.
This Primefact covers the following topics:
- Clinical signs
- How is BEF spread?
- Where does the disease occur?
- When does it occur?
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Immunity
- Prevention
