Graziers in parts of North Queensland are being urged to speak with their veterinarians about bovine ephemeral fever, commonly called three-day sickness, after reports of a severe out-of-season run of cases.
ABC Rural reported on 14 October that a Hughenden-based veterinarian had seen cases in the Hughenden and Charters Towers areas, including some cattle deaths. The illness is spread by biting insects and can cause fever, stiffness and animals going off feed. The report said the current timing, during the dry season, was unusual.
Queensland's Department of Primary Industries told ABC it was aware of reports of greater-than-usual impacts and was testing samples to check concerns about the strain. That testing is not a finding that a new strain exists.
ABC Rural reported no risk to people or the meat supply from this cattle illness. Producers should seek advice from a local veterinarian about vaccination and care appropriate to their herd.
Source: ABC Rural report, 14 October 2026, including comments from veterinarians and Queensland's Department of Primary Industries.
Image disclosure: The cattle image is an AI-generated editorial illustration of a generic paddock. It is not a photograph of an affected herd or property.
