Bovine ephemeral fever
Also known as three-day sickness
Description
Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is a vector-borne viral disease of cattle and buffalo. Typically, affected animals are only sick for a few days, hence the common name - 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.
BEF cases in NSW
The map below identifies detections of Bovine Ephemeral Fever cases in NSW, confirmed by PCR testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) in the current transmission season. Note, this map only includes laboratory confirmed cases and it is not a representation of disease prevalence.
*Note, date used reflects the sample collection date
Seek advice from your local private veterinarian and LLS district veterinarian regarding disease risk, prevention and treatment options.
If you suspect Bovine Ephemeral Fever in your cattle, contact your local LLS or private veterinarian who can collect samples for testing at EMAI.
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
Click on + in the tables below for sampling requirements and additional test information
| Code | Name | Samples required | Species | Turnaround time | Price (excl. GST) | Notes | Test days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEF_ABEL | Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus (BEF) Antibody ELISA | Clotted blood (Red top)
|
Up to 7D |
$14.40 |
D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Further information on Bovine Ephemeral Fever can be found at: |
Batch tested weekly |
||
| BEF_RTPCR | Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus (BEF) Real–time PCR | EDTA (Purple top)
|
2-3D |
$101.25 |
D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Further information on Bovine Ephemeral Fever can be found at: |
According to demand |
||
| BEF_VN | Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF) VNT | Clotted blood (Red top)
|
1-2W |
$51.05 |
D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. Further information on Bovine Ephemeral Fever can be found at: |
Batch tested on Thursday |
Additional Information
Customer Service
Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
NSW DPIRD'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 | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1800 675 623 |
| 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 DPIRD AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957
For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPIRD 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@dpird.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 APHL 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 |
More information
Further information on Bovine Ephemeral Fever can be found at:
