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Three-day stiff-sickness
Afrikaans | Xhosa
Three-day stiff-sickness is an insect-transmitted viral disease found in cattle and water buffalo. It is characterised by a short duration, fever, stiffness and reluctance to move, and there is usually a complete recovery within a few days.
Transmission
The virus is sensitive to ambient temperature, and therefore its life span outside the body is short. Neither bodily excretions and secretions nor tissue play any part in the transmission of the disease.
Since the virus is transmitted by insects, it occurs mainly in late summer and in the autumn. It is not known how the virus spends the winter, although antibodies have been found in game species such as buffalo, water buck, wildebeest and hartebeest.
Disease indicators
The incubation period is 3-5 days. The onset is usually sudden and is accompanied by a high fever. However, usually only 2-3 per cent of the herd is affected.
Animals that are lying down lose their swallowing reflex and develop saliva flow. Flatulence is also common.
An early indicator among milkers is a sudden and drastic decline in milk production, which seldom returns to normal levels.
In animals that are lying down pneumonia can develop as a complication, and this can result in death.
Abortions sometimes occur.
Diagnosis
When a number of animals in a herd are taken ill, a provisional diagnosis can be made according to the symptoms and the season. However, in the case of a single animal it is difficult since the symptoms may readily be confused with other conditions such as milk fever, plant poisoning (Crotalaria spp.), botulism, or a phosphate deficiency.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by means of a variety of laboratory tests.
Treatment
- Rest, and protection against the elements, for example rain and wind.
- When signs similar to milk fever occur, calcium borogluconate can be administered subcutaneously (as for milk fever).
- Do not administer anything by mouth. The animal is unable to swallow, and the medication may end up in the lungs.
Control
As with most viral diseases, preventative immunisation is the best control measure. Immunise in the spring, so that the animals may enjoy a sound immunity during the subsequent summer and autumn. The calves of unimmunised cows can be immunised at any age, and those of immunised or recovered mothers from the age of six months. Repeat annually in September or October.
DH de Lange
ELSENBURG / GEORGE Veterinary Services
