Experimental transmission of bovine malignant catarrhal fever to a bison (Bison bison)

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) was transmitted to a bison (Bison bison) by intravenous inoculation of whole blood obtained from a calf showing signs of experimental MCF. Clinical signs evident on the 25th day following inoculation included depression, weakness, epiphora, serous nasal discharge, watery diarrhea and multifocal ulcerations of oral mucosa. Gross and histopathological lesions observed in the bison were similar to those in cattle with a few qualitative differences. Compared to bovine cases, MCF in bison was characterized by more severe edema, congestion, and hemorrhage and accumulation of fewer lymphoid cells in lesions.