Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV)

Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is an arthropod-borne rhabdovirus that serves as the causative agent of bovine ephemeral fever, commonly known as three-day sickness, in cattle and water buffalo. The virus is characterized by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome encoding five structural proteins: nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), large RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L), and a surface glycoprotein (G) which is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies. BEFV is transmitted by hematophagous insects such as mosquitoes and biting midges, leading to clinical symptoms including sudden high fever, lameness, and a significant decrease in milk yield. While there are no specific antiviral drugs for BEFV, management typically involves the use of anti-inflammatory agents to alleviate symptoms and the administration of vaccines to provide protective immunity. The virus is considered a significant veterinary pathogen due to its substantial economic impact on the livestock industry in tropical and subtropical regions.

Other names

Three-day sickness virusEphemerovirus bovisBovine ephemeral fever rhabdovirus

Vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies primarily against the viral G glycoprotein to prevent infection; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used symptomatically to reduce fever and inflammation associated with the disease.