Source: msdvetmanual.com
Overview
- Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is classified as a member of the genusEphemerovirus in the family Rhabdoviridae (single-stranded, negative sense RNA).
Clinical signs
- Signs of bovine ephemeral fever, which occur suddenly and vary in severity, can include:
- biphasic to polyphasic fever (40°–42°C [104°–107.6°F])
- shivering
- inappetence
- tearing
- serous nasal discharge
- drooling
- pulmonary emphysema
- increased heart rate
- tachypnea or dyspnea
- atony of forestomachs
- depression
- stiffness and lameness
- a sudden decrease in milk yield
Diagnosis and differentials
- Clinical signs
- PCR identification of the virus
Treatment and control
- Antibiotic treatment to control secondary infection and rehydration with isotonic fluids may be warranted.
- NSAIDs
Summary
- Bovine ephemeral fever is an arthropod-borne viral disease of cattle and water buffalo that causes milk production losses, recumbency, and sometimes death. Diagnosis is mostly performed by PCR. Treatment includes administration of NSAIDs, accompanied by supportive care to recumbent cows. Vaccine effectiveness varies.