Veterinary Preventive Medicine-II

SYNONYM AND INTRODUCTION

Synonym

Three-day sickness, 3-day fever, Dragon Boat disease

Introduction

• Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is a benign acute, non-contagious, arthropod-borne viral disease of cattle and water buffalo characterized by sudden onset, lameness and quick recovery with high morbidity and low mortality.
• This disease occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia.
• The BEF virus belongs to the genus Rhabdovirus. This virus is related to dengue fever virus in human.
• All breeds of cattle are susceptible.
• Among the cattle, 6 months to 2 years are more susceptible.
• This disease is prevalent both in indigenous and exotic breeds of cattle as well as water buffalo.
• The disease is not reported in goat, sheep, pig and dog. Virus transmitted mainly by sand flies (Ceratopogonidae family).
• Mosquitoes (Aedes, Anophles and Culex), and biting midges are playing a major role in transmission.
• Strong wind can transport vectors for longer distances.
• Epizootics associated with recent rainfall. The virus does not spread by any other modes.