BEFV forms a bullet- or cone-shaped virions that consist of a negative, single stranded RNA genome with a lipid envelope and 5 structural proteins.

[citation needed] The virus has been found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and through eastern Australia.

[citation needed] The characteristics of the disease are the sudden onset of fever, stiffness, lameness and nasal and ocular discharges.

BEF often causes hypocalcaemia which in turn generates clinical signs such as depression, cessation of rumination, muscle tremors and constipation.

Animals lying flat out on their side, unable to get up, should be rolled over several times each day to prevent loss of circulation and muscle damage.