Graziers urged to vaccinate cattle as three-day sickness spreads

Key points

• Veterinarians are urging graziers in north Queensland to vaccinate their cattle as an unseasonal outbreak of bovine ephemeral fever, also known as three-day sickness, spreads.
• The virus has caused unusual deaths in cattle over 24 to 48 hours, with significant losses reported in Hughenden and Charters Towers.
• The outbreak is believed to have been spread by mosquitoes, and while there is no risk to humans, the severity of symptoms has raised concerns about a potential change in the virus.