Clinical and Molecular Detection of Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Buffalo Calves in Basrah, Iraq

Ali Y.  Atshan; K.M.  Alsaad

doi:10.6000/1927-520X.2026.15.09

Authors

Ali Y. Atshan Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Iraq
K.M. Alsaad Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-520X.2026.15.09

Keywords:

Malignant catarrhal fever, Buffalo calves, Clinical signs, PCR, Phylogenetic analysis, Basra, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Malignant Catarrhal Fever is an acute, systemic, lymphoproliferative disease that affects Bovidae and Cervidae and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Objectives: The present work aimed to identify diseased buffalo calves based on clinical signs and to confirm the diagnosis by PCR.

Methods: The study included 76 native buffalo calves, aged 8 to 12 months, of both sexes. These calves exhibited high fever, panting, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, and corneal opacity. Additionally, 25 clinically healthy local native calves, both males and females, served as the control group.

Results: Of the 76 suspected calves, 66 (86.8%) were PCR-positive for MCF virus. Four isolates were sequenced and deposited in GenBank (LC918980–LC918983). Phylogenetic analysis showed close evolutionary relationships to international MCF virus isolates. Affected calves exhibited characteristic clinical signs, including leukocytosis predominantly due to lymphocytosis, altered coagulation indices, hypoglycemia, and hypoproteinemia, as well as significantly increased blood urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, and alkaline phosphatase levels.

Conclusions: Malignant Catarrhal Fever should not be underestimated; attention should always be paid to it because of its high infection rate, which often leads to the death of diseased animals and causes significant economic losses.

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