Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a severe lymphoproliferative disease affecting several ruminant species including cattle, bison, deer, and elk. It has a worldwide distribution. The disease is caused by a group of gammaherpesviruses1 collectively referred toas malignant catarrhal fever viruses (MCFV). MCF is observed in both domestic and wild ruminants. There are two etiological forms of MCF that are determined by the host reservoir of the virus. Wildebeest Associated MCF (WA-MCF) is caused by alcelaphine herpesvinis-1 (A1HV-1). The principal reservoir of A1HV-1 is the blue or white-bearded wildebeest (Connochaetes taurins)-^sWA-MCF is seen primarily in Africa or in zoological parks where other ruminants have contact with Wildebeest. Sheep associated MCF (SA-MCF) is caused by ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2). Domestic and wild sheep and goats are asymptomatic reservoirs of the virus. SA-MCF is the primary form of MCF that is observed outside of Africa.
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