Definition:
Bovine malignant catarrhal fever, simply called BMCF, is a disease that affects cattle and other ruminants like buffalo, antelope and deer. It is a fatal disease.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of bovine malignant catarrhal fever is made by assessment of history and clinical signs.
Treatment:
There is no treatment for BMCF aside from supportive measures.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of bovine malignant catarrhal fever include depression, fever, muzzle erosions, eye and nose discharge, inflammation of lymph nodes, diarrhea and opacity in the cornea, which could lead to blindness. Severe cases develop erosions of the skin and mouth. Other animals develop neurological signs, such as nystagmus, head pressing and ataxia. Death can occur in ten days or less.
Causes:
The alcelaphone herpesvirus 1 (A1HV-1), from the Herpesviridae family, causes Bovine malignant catarrhal fever.
