As BEF is a virus spread by mosquitos it is expected to move south westerly throughout the wider Hunter region in the coming days/weeks and will persist until the onset of cooler weather and frost.
Producers are advised to monitor cattle daily for lethargy, dull appearance, drooling and lameness. The virus causes a high fever and pain in the muscles and joints, so affected cattle are often observed by themselves, off their feed, seeking shade and water. On occasion BEF can cause pregnant cows to abort and bulls may become infertile for up to six months.
In most cases young, light cattle show mild symptoms for 1-3 days, but heavier cattle such as bulls and cows may need some extra care. If cattle are down for an extended period, please seek veterinary advice. Medication sourced from your private veterinarian can reduce fever and inflammation aiding in recovery.
If animals are down, protect them from the hot sun, provide water and hay. If unable to stand for a day or two, lifting or rolling cattle twice daily becomes important to prevent secondary complications. If down cattle are on a slope and likely to end up throwing themselves onto their side when struggling to rise, they should be moved into a sitting position whereby their head will be uphill of their abdomen. Ruminants don’t take long to die if they end up being cast with their head downhill.
Recently recovered cattle should not be sent to the abattoirs for several weeks to give the body a chance to heal and avoid the possibility of downgrades from any residual muscle damage. Where medications have been given, withholding periods must be observed.
Cattle that have previously been exposed will have developed immunity to the disease, and calves under 6 months of age are rarely affected. Given that 2024 was a significant year for BEF along the east coast we are hoping that many (but not all) of our stock will have some immunity, and we predict that the most vulnerable animals will be those born after April 2024, or stock introduced to the area since April 2024.
More information is available from:
For further advice contact your Hunter Local Land Services District Veterinarian by calling 1300 795 299 or private veterinary practitioner.
Media Contact
For more information, please contact Chloe Jefford, Communications Advisor on chloe.jefford@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0492 267 295.
