Viral particles associated with malignant catarrhal fever in deer

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology

Background:

• Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) affects various wild and domestic ungulates.
• Wildebeest-associated MCF is caused by a herpesvirus, but other MCF agents exist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize viral particles associated with MCF in white-tailed deer and axis deer.
• To compare the morphology of these viruses with known MCF-causing agents.

Main Methods:

• Electron microscopy was used to examine viral particles.
• Morphological analysis was performed to compare viral structures.

Main Results:

• Viral particles were observed in deer with MCF.
• The morphology of these viral particles resembled togaviruses.
• The observed virus morphology was distinct from herpesviruses.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a potential togavirus etiology for MCF in these deer populations.
• This contrasts with the known herpesvirus cause of wildebeest-associated MCF (snotsiekte).