Bovine ephemeral fever

Also known as three-day sickness


Description

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is a viral disease of cattle and buffalo. Typically, affected animals are only sick for a few days, giving rise to the common name of three-day sickness.

Clinically there is a sudden onset of fever (up to 41ºC), often returning to normal within 36 hours.  Animals may stop eating and drinking and become depressed. Nasal discharge, drooling and watery eyes may be seen. Affected animals may shiver, become very stiff with a shifting lameness and are reluctant to move. Some animals, particularly the heavier ones, lie down and refuse to move. In the vast majority of cases the disease runs a short course, followed by rapid and complete recovery.

BEF is an example of an arbovirus because it is spread by biting insects. The most likely insects to transmit the virus in NSW are mosquitoes, such as Culex annulirostris but there may be other vectors that have not been identified.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of BEF is made on the presence of clinical signs in conjunction with PCR and/or serological testing.

Tests available

Test

Sample(s) required

Days of the week test is conducted

Turnaround time1 2

Bovine ephemeral fever virus antibody ELISA

Clotted blood (red top tube)

Batch tested weekly

Up to 7D

Bovine ephemeral fever virus real-time PCR

EDTA blood (purple top tube)

According to demand

2-3D

Bovine ephemeral fever VNT

Clotted blood (red top tube)

Batch tested on Thursday

1-2W

1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.

2 D= Working days, W= Weeks. Please note this does not include Public Holidays.

Additional Information

Specimen requirements

Blood (without anti-coagulant)
  • 10 ml of blood collected in a plain red top tube
  • Collect paired sera 2-3 weeks apart for ELISA or VNT testing
  • Submit chilled
Blood (with anti-coagulant)
  • 10 ml of blood collected in a purple top tube.
  • For PCR testing the sample should be collected within three days of onset of clinical signs for optimal chance of virus detection
  • Submit chilled

Customer Service

Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.

NSW DPI's laboratories are committed to continual improvement of services. If you would like to provide feedback, please fill in and submit the online feedback form.

CONTACT DETAILS

Phone1800 675 623
Email

laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Operating Hours

8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays)

8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only)

Postal Address

Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567

Quotations

For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request

For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957

For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103

Submission Forms

Veterinary Specimen Advice Form

Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au) for more information.

Courier services and specimen delivery

For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.

For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.

Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the SVDL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.

Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).

Sample Type

Laboratory

Street Address

Animal (including aquatic animals)

NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL)

EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568