Bovine Ephemeral Fever Three-Day Sickness
Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF) — A Silent Threat to Dairy and Beef Cattle Bovine Ephemeral Fever, commonly known as Three-Day Sickness, is a fast-acting viral disease that affects cattle and buffaloes. Though it rarely causes death, it causes serious economic losses due to reduced milk production, sudden weight loss, and decreased ability of animals to perform farm work. What is BEF and Why Is It Dangerous? BEF is caused by a virus that enters the animal’s bloodstream through the bite of certain insects, especially mosquitoes and midges. Once infected, animals show sudden signs of illness such as fever, weakness, and lameness. While the symptoms usually last about three days, the aftereffects like reduced productivity may linger longer. Common Signs of BEF in Animals Cattle affected by BEF show several clear and sudden symptoms. Farmers should keep an eye out for: • Sudden high fever (reaching up to 41°C) • Dullness and lack of energy • Loss of appetite • Lameness or stiffness in multipl...