obsolete malignant catarrh

Malignant Catarrh: An Obsolete Term

Malignant catarrh, also known as snotsiekte or gangrenous coryza, is an outdated term used to describe a viral disease that affects various species of ruminants. The term "malignant catarrh" was commonly used in Europe and North America, while "gangrenous coryza" was the preferred term in Brazil.

Characteristics

The disease was characterized by severe inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, and eyes, resulting in a snotty nasal discharge. Other symptoms included high fever, enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, corneal opacity, respiratory symptoms, and oral lesions.

Species Affected

Malignant catarrh affected various species of ruminants, including cattle, bison, deer, moose, exotic ruminants, and pigs.

Transmission

The disease was caused by a gammaherpesvirus, which was transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

Importance

Malignant catarrh is now considered an obsolete term, replaced by more accurate and specific names such as malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). However, the disease remains a serious concern for animal health and welfare.

References:

• [7] - The clinical examination findings revealed a persistent high fever, enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, corneal opacity, respiratory symptoms, oral lesions, ...
• [3] - Malignant catarrh; Snotsiekte; malignant catarrhal fever ... obsolete malignant catarrh.
• [10] - Detailed species-specific descriptions are beyond the scope of this data sheet. ... Studies in Bovine Malignant Catarrh. V. The Role of Sheep in the Transmission of the Disease. British Veterinary Journal, 110:508-516.

Obsolete Malignant Catarrh Signs and Symptoms

Malignant catarrh, also known as gangrenous coryza or snotsiekte, is a viral disease that affects various species, including cattle, bison, deer, moose, exotic ruminants, and pigs. The clinical signs and symptoms of this disease have been documented in the past.

Historical Clinical Signs:

• High fever: A persistent high fever was often reported in cases of malignant catarrh [1].
• Enlargement of superficial lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes were a common finding in affected animals [2].
• Corneal opacity: Corneal opacity, or clouding of the cornea, was also observed in some cases [3].
• Respiratory symptoms: Respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing, were reported in many cases [4].
• Oral lesions: Oral lesions, including ulcers and sores, were a common finding in affected animals [5].

Other Historical Symptoms:

• Snotty nasal discharge: A snotty nasal discharge was often observed in cases of malignant catarrh [6].
• Excessive salivation: Excessive salivation, or drooling, was also reported in some cases [7].
• Loss of appetite: Affected animals often showed a loss of appetite and reluctance to eat or move [8].

Historical Mortality Rate:

The mortality rate for malignant catarrh was typically high, with many affected animals succumbing to the disease. In some cases, the disease progressed rapidly, leading to sudden death [9].

It's essential to note that these symptoms are based on historical records and may not be applicable to modern-day cases of similar diseases.

References:

[1] Context 4 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 5 [4] Context 6 [5] Context 7 [6] Context 4 [7] Context 7 [8] Context 14 [9] Context 14

Diagnostic Tests for Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF)

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a severe viral disease that affects various species, including cattle, deer, and other hoofed animals. While there are no definitive diagnostic tests available, several methods can be used to support a diagnosis of MCF.

• Histopathology: Examination of tissue samples from affected animals can reveal characteristic lesions consistent with MCF [10].
• Virus-specific antibody response: Detection of antibodies against the MCF virus in serum or other bodily fluids can indicate exposure to the virus [7].
• Detection of MCF virus DNA: PCR assays, such as real-time PCR, can detect viral DNA and distinguish between different strains of the virus [3, 12].
• Immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and competitive-inhibition ELISA (cELISA): These serological tests can also be used to detect antibodies against the MCF virus [7].

It's essential to note that a clear diagnosis of MCF may require additional evidence from multiple diagnostic methods. The availability and accuracy of these tests can vary depending on the region, laboratory, and specific circumstances.

References: [3] Detection of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) by real-time PCR. [7] by H Li · 2011 · Cited by 57 — These assays include virus neutralization (VN), immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)/competitive-inhibition ELISA (cELISA), ... [10] Bovine Malignant Catarrh is an infectious viral disease in cattle and other domestic animals. [12] Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a frequently fatal disease, primarily of ruminants, caused by a group of gammaherpesviruses.

Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Catarrhal Fever

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a disease syndrome primarily affecting certain ruminant species, such as cattle, bison, and deer. The differential diagnosis of MCF involves considering other diseases that may present with similar clinical signs.

Key Differential Diagnoses:

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea/Mucosal Disease: This condition can cause oral lesions and is a primary differential diagnosis for MCF.
• Rinderpest: A viral disease that affects cattle and can present with similar clinical signs to MCF, including oral lesions and eye lesions.
• Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR): A viral disease that can cause respiratory and reproductive problems in cattle, and may be considered as a differential diagnosis for MCF.
• East Coast Fever (Bovine Theileriosis): A tick-borne disease that affects cattle and can present with similar clinical signs to MCF.

Other Differential Diagnoses:

• Vesicular Stomatitis: A viral disease that causes oral lesions in cattle, which may be considered as a differential diagnosis for MCF.
• Contagious Ecthyma (Orf): A viral disease that affects cattle and can cause skin lesions, which may be considered as a differential diagnosis for MCF.

Diagnostic Approach:

The diagnosis of MCF is based on clinical signs, gross and histologic lesions, and laboratory confirmation. Blood tests for MCF antibodies and tissue samples for confirmation at a veterinary laboratory are essential in making an accurate diagnosis.

References:

• [4] Bastawecy Electron microscopy as a differential diagnosis technique: Serving in the diagnosis of malignant catarrhal fever in farm animals.
• [8] Vesicular stomatitis is the principal differential. Other differentials include contagious ecthyma (orf), rinderpest, bluetongue, malignant catarrhal fever ...
• [10] Diagnosis of malignant catarrhal fever is based on clinical signs, gross and histologic lesions, and laboratory confirmation.
• [12] A clear distinction between