An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in red deer (Cervus elephus)

Nine of 15 housed red deer developed an acute disease. Six died and three were killed when severely affected. The clinical and post mortem changes suggested a diagnosis of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) which was consistent with the pantropic lymphoproliferative histopathological lesions observed. Attempts to isolate an agent or transmit the condition to cattle failed. The relation of the vasculitis to the pathogenesis of the disease and the susceptibility of red deer are discussed.