Changes

== Introduction  ==

== Introduction  ==

 

This virus is of the herpesviridae family and the reservoir species are wildebeest and sheep, each transferring different forms of the virus. Each virus is i'''nnocuous''' to the reservoir host, but can sometimes cause a peculiar and fatal over T-cell division in dead end hosts. Dead end hosts include cows, kudu and some deer.  

This virus is of the [[Herpesviridae]] family and the reservoir species are wildebeest and sheep, each transferring different forms of the virus. Each virus is '''innocuous''' to the reservoir host, but can sometimes cause a peculiar and fatal over T-cell division in dead end hosts. Dead end hosts include cows, kudu and some deer.  

MCFV is endemic as a latent infection in Blue Wildebeest and the virus is excreted in large amounts in the periparturient period.  

MCFV is endemic as a latent infection in Blue Wildebeest and the virus is excreted in large amounts in the periparturient period.  

The disease is not all that common in UK, but is present. Outbreaks are usually sporadic and are often seen in animals mixing with sheep (carriers). In parts of Africa, you will see longer duration outbreaks, caused by different serotypes carried by Wildebeest. In deer, very serious outbreaks occur and this is probably due to infection with the sheep virus.  

The disease is not all that common in UK, but is present. Outbreaks are usually sporadic and are often seen in animals mixing with sheep (carriers). In parts of Africa, you will see longer duration outbreaks, caused by different serotypes carried by Wildebeest. In deer, very serious outbreaks occur and this is probably due to infection with the sheep virus.  

 

== Signalment  ==

== Signalment  ==

Latent infection in Blue Wildebeest and Sheep of all ages, breeds and sex. In dead end hosts it can affect any sex or age, but is often seen most in youngish animals around 6 months to 1 year of age.  

Latent infection in Blue Wildebeest and sheep of all ages, breeds and sex. In dead end hosts, it can affect any sex or age, but is often seen most in youngish animals around 6 months to 1 year of age.  

== Clinical Signs  ==

== Clinical Signs  ==

[[Image:MCF1.gif|thumb|right|125px|<small><center>Sever Oculo-nasal Discharge of MCF (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]  

Clinical signs in '''cattle''' are severe and include necrotising lesions in  the upper respiratory tract and eye: conjunctivitis and corneal oedema / opacity (keratitis or "blue eye" - characteristic feature). Pyrexia and diarrhoea with severe oculo-nasal discharge and inappetance also occurs. The animal will appear dull with ulcers on its muzzle, which exude a brown exudate. These may spread to the rest of the face and occasionally the whole body. There may also be ulcers on the tongue, dental pad, and cheeks that regularly become secondarily infected. [[Lymhocytes - Introduction|Lymphocyte]] proliferation to viral antigen in the blood vessels of lymph nodes, spleen lungs, liver and kidneys progresses until death occurs. The lymph nodes eventually become completely replaced by [[Lymph Nodes - Anatomy & Physiology#Follicles|lymphoblasts]], which is a similar pathogenesis to [[lymphosarcoma]]. There may also be vasculitis with medial necrosis of blood vessels throughout body with infiltration of walls of vessels by lymphocytes.

== Diagnosis ==

== Treatment and Control ==

History (where and what has the animal been stocked with), Signalment (Deer, Cattle etc) and Clinical Signs are quite characteristic and will lead to a preliminary diagnosis of the disease. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by performing PCR for detection of the herpesvirus DNA.  

The main control measures is to not stock Wildebeest in zoos, where possible as they are latent innocuous carries of the disease. Sheep and deer should also not be housed together.

== Treatment and Control  ==

Bridger, J and Russell, P (2007) '''Virology Study Guide''', ''Royal Veterinary College''

The main control measures is to not stock Wildebeest in zoos, where possible&nbsp;as they are latent innocuous carries of the disease. Sheep and deer should also not be housed together.

Divers, T.J. and Peek, S.F. (2008) '''Rebhun's diseases of dairy cattle''' ''Elsevier Health Scieneces''

[[Category:Herpesviridae]] [[Category:Cattle_Viruses]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cattle]] [[Category:Respiratory_Diseases_-_Cattle]] [[Category:Oral_Cavity_-_Erosive_&_Ulcerative_Pathology]] [[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

[[Category:Herpesviridae]] [[Category:Cattle_Viruses]] [[Category:Oral_Diseases_-_Cattle]] [[Category:Respiratory_Diseases_-_Cattle]] [[Category:Oral_Cavity_-_Erosive_&_Ulcerative_Pathology]] [[Category:Neurological Diseases - Cattle]][[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Cattle]][[Category:Expert Review - Farm Animal]]