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Managing Three Day Sickness in dairy herds

13 March 2025

Three Day Sickness, also known as Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), has been confirmed in cattle near Wingham in March 2025 through laboratory testing. Suspect cases have also been reported in Hannam Vale, Mitchells Island, and Gloucester. As this viral disease is spread by mosquitoes, it is expected to move south-westerly through the Hunter Local Land Services (HLLS) region in the coming weeks and may persist until the onset of cooler weather and frost.

Symptoms to watch for

Dairy farmers are urged to monitor their cattle daily for signs of BEF, which include:

  • Lethargy and a dull appearance
  • Drooling and difficulty swallowing
  • Lameness and stiffness
  • High fever and muscle pain, causing cattle to separate from the herd, go off their feed, and seek shade and water.

In some cases, the virus can cause pregnant cows to abort, and bulls may experience temporary infertility for up to six months.

Managing Three Day Sickness in dairy herds

Young, lighter cattle usually show mild symptoms lasting 1-3 days, while heavier cattle, including bulls and cows, may require additional care. If cattle remain down for an extended period, veterinary assistance should be sought. Anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing medications, available through your private veterinarian, can aid in recovery.

Steps to support affected cattle:

  • Provide shade, water, and hay.
  • If cattle are unable to stand, roll or lift them twice daily to prevent complications.
  • Position down cattle so that their head is uphill of their abdomen, as ruminants can die quickly if they end up lying with their head downhill.

Farmers are also advised not to send recently recovered cattle to abattoirs for several weeks to allow muscle recovery and avoid potential downgrades. If medications have been administered, ensure withholding periods are observed.

Resources and further assistance

For additional information, dairy farmers can access resources from:

For veterinary advice, contact your LLS district veterinarian at 1300 795 299 or consult a private veterinary practitioner.