BOVINE Ephemeral fever (Three Day Sickness) has been detected in the Hunter Region.

Mid-January saw confirmed cases near Maitland, and within a fortnight, the outbreak has now spread through the Lower Hunter in areas including Dungog, Stroud, Gloucester, Barrington, and up the Hunter Valley.

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Three Day Sickness is a viral disease of cattle and buffalo which affects animals for only a few days following a sudden onset of a fever, severe drop in milk production or animals’ lack of eating and drinking.

“Cases have not yet been detected around more coastal parts of the MidCoast area.

“This appears to be an example of the disease erupting in the Hunter before making its way down the coast from Queensland, which is the more usual pattern of spread and because we haven’t had to wait for its arrival from the north, this outbreak is also a month or two earlier than normal,” a representative from Hunter Local Land Services said.

Due to a widespread outbreak in March and April 2020, many cattle that were alive at that time were exposed to infection and developed immunity.

Consequently, most of the cattle presently affected are young cattle and cattle brought in from further west or south that have not previously had the opportunity for exposure, although there are sometimes older cattle in the herd that have also escaped infection from previous seasons.

“Unfortunately, problems with vaccine availability means that producers who had wanted to vaccinate have been unable to do so until now, as vaccine supplies have only just started to arrive on private jets,” Hunter Local Land Services said.

NSW Local Land Services reminds all owners of cattle to monitor herds daily for lethargic, dull, drooling or lame cattle (lameness often appears shifting from leg to leg) and ensure that owners have adequate resources to support exposed cattle.

Affected cattle often seek shade due to the high fever the virus creates.

“If they are down, protection from hot sun, a tub of water and hay is crucial as cattle can die from dehydration associated with BEF.

“In most cases in young, light cattle the disease is mild for one to three days, but heavier cattle, bulls and cows are likely to need extra care; bulls in particular can suffer infertility from the fever and cows can abort,” Local Land Services said.

Veterinary advice should be obtained in any sustained cases.

By Tara CAMPBELL