Probable malignant catarrhal fever presented as transient generalised crusting dermatitis in a cow

A 2-year-old crossbred cow developed crusting ulcerative lesions that covered approximately 40% of the body. They were first observed 2 weeks after the cow calved, and were most severe over the caudal aspect of the proximal hindlegs and perineum.

Generalised variably confluent 1-2-cm diameter foci of ulceration and crusting were visible. No ocular or oral lesions were visible, and the cow did not have diarrhoea. Skin biopsies revealed lesions consistent with those previously described for malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). Additionally, prominent multinucleate cells were visible. The DNA for ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OHV-2) was amplified from the skin biopsies, using PCR. The cow spontaneously made a complete clinical recovery.

Malignant catarrhal fever should be considered in cases of ulcerative skin disease in cattle. The disease is difficult to diagnose, and a combination of skin histology as well as PCR is required. Although probably rare, it appears complete recovery from MCF is possible when the disease is confined to the skin.