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[Malignant catarrhal fever in zoo ruminants]
T Hänichen1, H W Reid, H Wiesner
1Institut für Tierpathologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere
|November 12, 1998
Summary
Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) outbreaks at Munich zoo shifted from wildebeest-associated to sheep-associated MCF. Testing revealed ovine herpesvirus-2 DNA presence from 1985 onwards, indicating a change in the causative agent.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Epidemiology
- Pathomorphology
Context:
- An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurred in Indian gaur and Javan banteng at Munich zoo in 1964.
- Sporadic cases in bison, elk, and deer followed, with clinical and pathomorphological observations recorded.
- Latently infected carriers and susceptible species housed at the zoo were documented.
Purpose:
- To analyze the epidemiological and etiological shifts in malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) at Munich zoo.
- To investigate the causative agents of MCF outbreaks between 1964 and 1997.
- To correlate viral DNA findings with the presence of potential carrier species.
Summary:
- Retrospective analysis of tissue samples from 1964-1997 investigated ovine herpesvirus-2 (OHV-2) and alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AHV-1) DNA.
- Negative OHV-2 results until 1979 suggested wildebeest-associated MCF, coinciding with the presence of wildebeest species.
- Positive OHV-2 results from 1985 onwards indicated a transition to sheep-associated MCF.
Impact:
- Identifies a significant etiological shift in malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) at a zoological institution.
- Highlights the importance of monitoring carrier species for disease prevention in captive wildlife.
- Provides crucial data for understanding MCF transmission dynamics and informing future disease management strategies.