An outbreak of three-day sickness in cattle has been recorded in Queensland

Bovine ephemeral fever, also known as three-day sickness, causes flu-like symptoms in livestock animals and can be fatal in severe cases. The disease poses no risk to humans or meat products.

This year, cases of the disease have been recorded since September, with the Hughenden and Charters Towers regions being particularly affected. According to Dr Harriman, due to the long absence of the virus, herd immunity has decreased, leading to a more severe course of the disease. Death is typically observed among heavier livestock animals that go down and are unable to rise. Additionally, cattle breeder Allan Trail from Baralaba reported a sudden illness in a bull.

Experts note that the disease usually peaks in March, but the current outbreak started earlier. Surviving livestock animals acquire immunity against subsequent infections. Producers are wondering whether the virus has mutated, which is why the Queensland Department of Primary Industries is testing samples to confirm the strain, although no mutations have been recorded over 70 years.

Since treatment options are few, good care, provision of shade, feed, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs available from a local veterinarian remain the main management methods. Livestock farmers are strongly advised to vaccinate their livestock animals to prevent severe symptoms of the disease.