Cattle producers with livestock they suspect is suffering from or has died as a result of Bovine Ephemeral Fever, better known as three-day sickness, are being encouraged to provide information for a new study into the disease.
Following on from heavy stock losses in the Belyando region after this year's floods, DPI&F principal veterinary pathologist Dr Bruce Hill is spearheading a project to investigate anecdotal field evidence that BEF is changing its characteristics, or that a possible new virus that mimics BEF could have emerged.
The project, which veterinarians are also being encouraged to participate in, will also provide updated information for enhancing vaccine development for the disease.
Dr Hill said over the past five to eight years, Queensland cattle producers have indicated the impact of BEF on their operations had become more severe, both in terms of the number of cattle affected and the resulting mortalities.
"This background evidence is supported by reports of atypically severe forms of the disease during the January floods in the Belyando River region," Dr Hill said.
The outbreak in the Belyando was collaboratively investigated by the DPI&F and the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), with studies finding that where the BEF vaccine was used, there was evidence of adequate protection.
However, Dr Hill said detailed analysis at AAHL of one of the samples collected indicated that the strain of BEF virus isolated from the cases was different from those identified as circulating in Australia up until 1992, including the current vaccine strain that was isolated in 1968.
Dr Hill said there was considerable industry interest in promoting the development of a new generation BEF vaccine, which would ideally be delivered as a one dose product to address current application issues and be updated to include currently circulating BEF viruses in its formulation.
To help with the project, Dr Hill is now seeking assistance from producers and veterinarians in investigating further BEF outbreaks.
Blood samples collected from BEF outbreaks and forwarded to DPI&F veterinary laboratories will be cultured for the virus free of charge.
Dr Hill said blood samples would assist in studying the epidemiology of the disease, especially if it is influenced by climate change events.
"It will also assist in the collection of BEF virus candidates for possible inclusion in any future vaccine development work taken up by outside laboratories," Dr Hill said.
With summer now in full swing and heavy rainfall events happening throughout the State, Dr Hill said it was the prime time for producers to be on alert for the disease.
However, he said the historic pattern of seeing the disease emerge as monsoon rains moved down the State from the north were being challenged.
"We recognise now there's a lot of sub-regional weather triggering the disease at unusual times throughout the year," he said.
"All through last winter I was having people report episodes of it.
"It's certainly not as clear cut as it used to be."
* For further details on the samples required contact your regional DPI&F office or Dr Bruce Hill, 0427 360 274.