A first network device permits a bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) session with a second network device. The first network device is a designated forwarder for a third network device, a first link is provided between the first network device and the third network device, the second network device is a backup designated forwarder for the third network device, a second link is provided between the second network device and the third network device. The first network device detects a link failure associated with the first link between the first network device and the third network device, and provides, via the BFD session, a BFD message to the second network device. The BFD message includes an indication of the link failure, and the BFD message is to cause the second network device to be a new designated forwarder for the third network device.