BOVINE EPHEMERAL FEVER (3 DAYS DISEASE)

This is a viral disease of cattle. If it is acute, very few animals die of it. It last for a few days. The disease has been recognized in Africa, Asia and slightly in Australia. It is transmitted by culicoides, midges and sandflies. There is a seasonal occurrence of the disease. It does not occur every year. Infected animals develop immunity lasting for several years. Insect activity plays very important role in epidemiology. The disease can be a big problem in an area in one year and does not show up again until after about five years. It is a cyclic type of disease and not specifically seasonal. Morbidity rate in exotic breeds is greater than that in indigenous breeds. In some cases, this may approach 100%. The disease may be seen in all ages of animal but more severe in adult cattle. Incubation period varies from 2-10 days and in experimental cases 2-50 days.
Clinical signs
There is oculonasal discharge. There is no erosions, ulcers or nostril blockage. There is high fever because temperature shoots up to 105oF-107oF.
Affected animals are slightly bright despite the high temperature. They are not totally depressed. At the end of the first day, animals are reluctant to work because of severe muscle and joint pains. This is transient. On the second day, the animal is recumbent and reluctant to stand up. There is enlargement of lymphnodes such as prescapular and femoral lymphnodes. On the third day, the animal rises again from recumbency. Milking cows stop milking on second day.
In severe cases, it appears to be inability to swallow. Death can occur if you try to give the animals water. They die of inhalation pneumonia. There is neutrophilia in this disease.
Diagnosis
This is based on clinical signs and recovery on third day.
Control
Vaccination control depends on the economics of the operation.
Treatment
There is no treatment.
For recumbent animals, try to make them stand. Advice farmers to tie the animals up to stand.