Malignant Catarrhal Fever (A review)

Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) is severe, fatal viral disease in ruminants (such as cattle, bison, deer, buffalo) caused by Gamma-herpesviruses type 1 typically spread from asymptomatic carrier animals (wildebeest or sheep/goats). It's characterized by fever, severe inflammation, and ulceration of mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, blindness, difficult breathing, diarrhea, and neurological signs, with a grave prognosis and no effective treatment or vaccine. The disease is nearly endemic in Iraq. (As the number of recorded clinical cases began to increase) and of significant clinical and epidemiological importance because of its adverse health effects on infected animals due to high infection rates and increased mortality among infected animals. The disease affects cattle and buffalo, especially those raised with sheep. The disease manifests in multiple forms, and due to its clinical significance, proper preventative measures must be taken to prevent its spread and minimize economic losses.