Hydranencephaly in newborn calves in Zambia

Hydranencephaly without arthrogryposis was observed in three newborn Holstein-Friesian calves, born during one week in a 400-cow dairy herd in Zambia. The affected calves were blind and exhibited nystagmus and depressed behavior. Akabane virus infection was suspected based on the pathological findings and etiological data, however, we could not determine the exact causative agent.