Bovine ephemeral fever

Lore & Background

Bovine ephemeral fever virus forms bullet- or cone-shaped virions with a negative, single-stranded RNA genome, a lipid envelope, and five structural proteins. The envelope glycoprotein G contains type-specific and neutralizing antigenic sites. Recent evidence demonstrates that BEFV induces apoptosis in several cell lines, which can be blocked by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk, indicating caspase-dependent apoptosis in cultured cells.

Reader's Guide

Bovine ephemeral fever is significant as a viral disease affecting cattle in tropical and subtropical regions, causing economic losses through sudden illness and recovery periods. The disease is transmitted by specific biting midges, Culicoides oxystoma and C. nipponensis, and is characterized by fever, stiffness, lameness, and hypocalcemia. Diagnosis involves virus isolation from blood, immunofluorescence, or rising antibody levels. Treatment emphasizes rest, stress reduction, and supportive care such as calcium borogluconate for hypocalcemia and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A vaccine is available in Japan but is expensive; Ultravac BEF is registered in Australia, Israel, and Egypt. The virus's ability to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in cell lines provides insight into its pathogenesis, though the host inflammatory response mediated by cytokines is also involved.

Did You Know?

• BEFV induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in cultured cells, which can be blocked by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk.
• The virus is transmitted by the biting midges Culicoides oxystoma and C. nipponensis.
• BEF is not found in the Americas or Europe, except western parts of Turkey.
• A vaccine called Ultravac BEF is registered in Australia, Israel, and Egypt.