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Studies concerning etiology of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever in Europe
1University of Leipzig-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics.
Abstract:
The etiological agent of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in Europe has not been isolated directly from sheep. The occurrence of antibodies against the African bovine herpesvirus (BHV-3, WC 11) in cattle and sheep was examined using recently modified indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) and neutralization test (NT) methods. Studies revealed that sheep and cattle sera in Europe were free from neutralizing antibodies of BHV-3. The IIFT could not establish the presence of antibodies to African BHV-3 in cattle but revealed that about 22.4% of sheep sera reacted to it. Apart from the well known ovine herpesvirus (BHV-5), occurrence of another herpesvirus in Europe had been expected. This virus is not identical with the WC 11 strain, but it is in antigenic relationship to it. We had for the first time substantial serological evidence to the effect that sheep-associated MCF in Europe is a herpesvirus related to the African strain.
Insights
Researchers investigated the cause of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in Europe. They found serological evidence suggesting a herpesvirus related to African bovine herpesvirus (BHV-3) causes MCF in European sheep.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- The causative agent of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in Europe remains unisolated.
- Previous research has not definitively identified the specific herpesvirus responsible for MCF in European sheep populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the serological presence of antibodies against African bovine herpesvirus (BHV-3, WC 11) in European cattle and sheep.
- To determine if BHV-3 or a related herpesvirus is associated with sheep-associated MCF in Europe.
Main Methods:
- Utilized modified indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) and neutralization test (NT) methods.
- Sera from European cattle and sheep were tested for antibodies against BHV-3.
Main Results:
- European sheep and cattle sera lacked neutralizing antibodies for BHV-3.
- Indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) detected antibodies reacting to BHV-3 in approximately 22.4% of sheep sera, but not in cattle sera.
- The detected virus is antigenically related to, but not identical with, the WC 11 strain of BHV-3.
Conclusions:
- Substantial serological evidence indicates that sheep-associated MCF in Europe is caused by a herpesvirus antigenically related to the African BHV-3 strain.
- This finding suggests the presence of a novel or previously uncharacterized herpesvirus in European sheep contributing to MCF.