The origin and molecular characterization of the BEF virus caused by the small-scale epidemic in Western Turkey

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF), also known as three-day fever and three-day disease, is an arthropod-borne viral disease of the buffalo and domestic cattle. Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is the causative agent of the disease. In this study, we tried to detect the molecular characterization and possible source of BEF virus that caused an epidemic within a limited area synchronously and in two separate localizations in the Aegean region in November, 2020. As a result, BEF virus was declared in Aegean region for the first time, G gene characterization was performed, the virus was classified within the Middle East lineage, and animal movements were believed to have been effective for the virus to reach the area.