An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) / Surto de febre catarral maligna em cervos Sambar (Rusa Unicolor)

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is an infectious, pansystemic and highly fatal disease with wide geographic distribution. The species that are clinically prone to it include cattle, deer and bison. In Brazil, the disease in ruminants and deer is associated with the contact with sheep, especially during labor, when the fetal remains that are eliminated contain the ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2). The outbreak took place in a conservationist property in the city of Casimiro de Abreu/RJ, which hosted 23 Sambar deer, and, of these, 19 died, showing neurological signs. The deer lived in a location together with 15 male and female meat sheep. A female specimen of the Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), aged approximately three years, which had presented with neurological clinical signs was referred to necropsy in the Setor de Anatomia Patológica at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (SAP/UFRRJ). During necropsy, cerebrospinal fluid was sampled for analysis; fragments of several organs were fixated in 10% buffered formalin and processed for histopathological analysis. Fragments of occipital lobe, cerebellum and bulb were collected to perform the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The diagnosis of this outbreak was based on epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings, and on the amplification of the OvHV-2 DNA through PCR. The histological changes were the base to confirm the MCF case and were characterized by degeneration of vascular endothelial cells, fibrinoid vasculitis, hyperplasia and necrosis of lymphoid organs. However, PCR was an important tool to confirm the diagnosis. MCF as an important disease with nervous symptomatology in deer.(AU)

A febre catarral maligna (FCM) é uma doença infecciosa, com distribuição geográfica ampla, pansistêmica e altamente fatal. As espécies clinicamente suscetíveis incluem bovino, cervo e bisão. No Brasil, a doença em ruminantes e cervídeos está associada ao contato com ovinos, principalmente durante o parto, no qual os envoltórios fetais eliminados contém, em suas secreções, o Herpesvírus ovino-2 (OvHV-2). O surto ocorreu em uma propriedade conservacionista no município de Casimiro de Abreu/RJ, que abrigava 23 cervos exóticos, onde foram registradas a morte de 19 destes, com sinais neurológicos. Os cervos habitavam em um piquete com 15 ovinos de corte, machos e fêmeas. Um exemplar de cervo sambar (Rusa unicolor), fêmea, com aproximadamente três anos de idade, que havia apresentado sinais clínicos neurológicos foi encaminhado para necropsia no Setor de Anatomia Patológica da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (SAP/UFRRJ). Durante a necropsia foi realizada a coleta de líquido cefalorraquidiano e de fragmentos de lobo occipital, cerebelo e bulbo, para a realização de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Fragmentos de diversos órgãos foram fixados em formalina 10% tamponada e processados para a análise histopatológica. O diagnóstico do presente surto foi estabelecido com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos e na amplificação do DNA do OvHV-2 através da PCR. As alterações histológicas foram a base para confirmar o caso de FCM e caracterizaram-se por degeneração de células endoteliais vasculares, vasculite fibrinoide, hiperplasia dos órgãos linfoides. Contudo, a PCR foi uma ferramenta importante para a confirmação do diagnóstico. Ressalta-se a importância da FCM na lista dos diagnósticos diferenciais de doenças que cursam com sintomatologia nervosa em cervídeos.(AU)

An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) / Surto de febre catarral maligna em cervos Sambar (Rusa Unicolor)

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is an infectious, pansystemic and highly fatal disease with wide geographic distribution. The species that are clinically prone to it include cattle, deer and bison. In Brazil, the disease in ruminants and deer is associated with the contact with sheep, especially during labor, when the fetal remains that are eliminated contain the ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2). The outbreak took place in a conservationist property in the city of Casimiro de Abreu/RJ, which hosted 23 Sambar deer, and, of these, 19 died, showing neurological signs. The deer lived in a location together with 15 male and female meat sheep. A female specimen of the Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), aged approximately three years, which had presented with neurological clinical signs was referred to necropsy in the Setor de Anatomia Patológica at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (SAP/UFRRJ). During necropsy, cerebrospinal fluid was sampled for analysis; fragments of several organs were fixated in 10% buffered formalin and processed for histopathological analysis. Fragments of occipital lobe, cerebellum and bulb were collected to perform the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The diagnosis of this outbreak was based on epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings, and on the amplification of the OvHV-2 DNA through PCR. The histological changes were the base to confirm the MCF case and were characterized by degeneration of vascular endothelial cells, fibrinoid vasculitis, hyperplasia and necrosis of lymphoid organs. However, PCR was an important tool to confirm the diagnosis. MCF as an important disease with nervous symptomatology in deer.(AU)

A febre catarral maligna (FCM) é uma doença infecciosa, com distribuição geográfica ampla, pansistêmica e altamente fatal. As espécies clinicamente suscetíveis incluem bovino, cervo e bisão. No Brasil, a doença em ruminantes e cervídeos está associada ao contato com ovinos, principalmente durante o parto, no qual os envoltórios fetais eliminados contém, em suas secreções, o Herpesvírus ovino-2 (OvHV-2). O surto ocorreu em uma propriedade conservacionista no município de Casimiro de Abreu/RJ, que abrigava 23 cervos exóticos, onde foram registradas a morte de 19 destes, com sinais neurológicos. Os cervos habitavam em um piquete com 15 ovinos de corte, machos e fêmeas. Um exemplar de cervo sambar (Rusa unicolor), fêmea, com aproximadamente três anos de idade, que havia apresentado sinais clínicos neurológicos foi encaminhado para necropsia no Setor de Anatomia Patológica da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (SAP/UFRRJ). Durante a necropsia foi realizada a coleta de líquido cefalorraquidiano e de fragmentos de lobo occipital, cerebelo e bulbo, para a realização de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Fragmentos de diversos órgãos foram fixados em formalina 10% tamponada e processados para a análise histopatológica. O diagnóstico do presente surto foi estabelecido com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos e na amplificação do DNA do OvHV-2 através da PCR. As alterações histológicas foram a base para confirmar o caso de FCM e caracterizaram-se por degeneração de células endoteliais vasculares, vasculite fibrinoide, hiperplasia dos órgãos linfoides. Contudo, a PCR foi uma ferramenta importante para a confirmação do diagnóstico. Ressalta-se a importância da FCM na lista dos diagnósticos diferenciais de doenças que cursam com sintomatologia nervosa em cervídeos.(AU)

Taxa de infecção pelo Herpesvírus ovino tipo 2 (OvHV-2) em rebanhos de ovinos no Distrito Federal / Ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) infection rate in sheep herds of the Federal District, Brazil

A febre catarral maligna (FCM) é uma doença causada pela infecção de bovinos pelo herpesvírus ovino tipo 2 (OvHV-2), responsável por perdas econômicas em diferentes regiões do Brasil. Neste trabalho descreve-se a detecção molecular por nested-PCR (nPCR) do OvHV-2 em amostras de secreção/esfoliação nasal e fração celular sanguínea (FCS) de ovinos provenientes de 8 propriedades do Distrito Federal. Das 188 amostras nasais analisadas, 88 (41,5%) foram positivas. Ovelhas prenhes não apresentaram diferenças na taxa de infecção em comparação com fêmeas paridas. Fêmeas recém-paridas apresentaram taxa de infecção pelo OvHV-2 maior que em animais que pariram há mais de 60 dias. Amostras de secreção/esfoliação nasal permitiram a detecção por nPCR de animais infectados com uma eficiência aproximadamente duas vezes maior que em amostras de fração celular sanguínea. No Brasil, informações epidemiológicas sobre a infecção pelo OvHV-2 nos rebanhos ovinos e fatores envolvidos no surgimento de surtos de FCM em bovinos são escassos. Este estudo pode servir de subsídio para elucidar as características da enfermidade e para novos estudos sobre a epidemiologia da doença no Distrito Federal e em outros Estados do Brasil.(AU)

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a disease caused by bovine infection with ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) and responsible for economic losses in different Brazilian regions. This paper describes the molecular detection of OvHV-2 by nested-PCR (nPCR) in nasal secretion/exfoliation samples and blood cell fraction (BCF) of sheep from 8 properties in the Federal District. Among the 188 nasal samples, 88 (41.5%) were positive to OvHV-2. Pregnant ewe presented no differences at the infection rate in comparison with parous females. Newly calved sheep showed higher OvHV-2 infection rate than female over 60 days of calving. Nasal samples allowed the detection of infected animals by nPCR with efficiency about twice than that in the blood cell fraction samples. In Brazil, epidemiological information about OvHV-2 infection in sheep flocks and factors involved in emergence of FCM outbreaks in cattle are still scarce. This study may provide support for elucidating some characteristics of the disease and for further epidemiological studies in the Federal District and other Brazilian States.(AU)

Taxa de infecção pelo Herpesvírus ovino tipo 2 (OvHV-2) em rebanhos de ovinos no Distrito Federal / Ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) infection rate in sheep herds of the Federal District, Brazil

A febre catarral maligna (FCM) é uma doença causada pela infecção de bovinos pelo herpesvírus ovino tipo 2 (OvHV-2), responsável por perdas econômicas em diferentes regiões do Brasil. Neste trabalho descreve-se a detecção molecular por nested-PCR (nPCR) do OvHV-2 em amostras de secreção/esfoliação nasal e fração celular sanguínea (FCS) de ovinos provenientes de 8 propriedades do Distrito Federal. Das 188 amostras nasais analisadas, 88 (41,5%) foram positivas. Ovelhas prenhes não apresentaram diferenças na taxa de infecção em comparação com fêmeas paridas. Fêmeas recém-paridas apresentaram taxa de infecção pelo OvHV-2 maior que em animais que pariram há mais de 60 dias. Amostras de secreção/esfoliação nasal permitiram a detecção por nPCR de animais infectados com uma eficiência aproximadamente duas vezes maior que em amostras de fração celular sanguínea. No Brasil, informações epidemiológicas sobre a infecção pelo OvHV-2 nos rebanhos ovinos e fatores envolvidos no surgimento de surtos de FCM em bovinos são escassos. Este estudo pode servir de subsídio para elucidar as características da enfermidade e para novos estudos sobre a epidemiologia da doença no Distrito Federal e em outros Estados do Brasil.(AU)

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a disease caused by bovine infection with ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) and responsible for economic losses in different Brazilian regions. This paper describes the molecular detection of OvHV-2 by nested-PCR (nPCR) in nasal secretion/exfoliation samples and blood cell fraction (BCF) of sheep from 8 properties in the Federal District. Among the 188 nasal samples, 88 (41.5%) were positive to OvHV-2. Pregnant ewe presented no differences at the infection rate in comparison with parous females. Newly calved sheep showed higher OvHV-2 infection rate than female over 60 days of calving. Nasal samples allowed the detection of infected animals by nPCR with efficiency about twice than that in the blood cell fraction samples. In Brazil, epidemiological information about OvHV-2 infection in sheep flocks and factors involved in emergence of FCM outbreaks in cattle are still scarce. This study may provide support for elucidating some characteristics of the disease and for further epidemiological studies in the Federal District and other Brazilian States.(AU)

Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Brazilian cattle presenting with neurological syndrome

Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) was investigated in the central nervous system of cattle with neurological syndrome. Two-hundred-ninety samples were analyzed by histology, and molecular methods to detect ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) were optimized and validated. The qualitative polymerase chain reaction (qualitative PCR) analytical sensitivity was 101 DNA copies/µL and found 4.8% (14/290) positive for OvHV-2. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analytical sensitivity was 100 DNA copy/µL and 5.9% (17/290) positivity, with 47.1% (8/17) of the positive samples presenting histological evidence of non-purulent meningo-encephalitis. The qualitative PCR products (422 bp of the ORF75 region) were sequenced and submitted to phylogenetic analysis. Identity matrices showed 100% similarity in OvHV-2 samples obtained in this study and those recovered from GenBank, corroborating other studies.(AU)

Taxa de infecção pelo Herpesvírus ovino tipo 2 (OvHV-2)em rebanhos de ovinos no Distrito Federal

ABSTRACT: Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a disease caused by bovine infection with ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) and responsible for economic losses in different Brazilian regions. This paper describes the molecular detection of OvHV-2 by nested-PCR (nPCR) in nasal secretion/exfoliation samples and blood cell fraction (BCF) of sheep from 8 properties in the Federal District. Among the 188 nasal samples, 88 (41.5%) were positive to OvHV-2. Pregnant ewe presented no differences at the infection rate in comparison with parous females. Newly calved sheep showed higher OvHV-2 infection rate than female over 60 days of calving. Nasal samples allowed the detection of infected animals by nPCR with efficiency about twice than that in the blood cell fraction samples. In Brazil, epidemiological information about OvHV-2 infection in sheep flocks and factors involved in emergence of FCM outbreaks in cattle are still scarce. This study may provide support for elucidating some characteristics of the disease and for further epidemiological studies in the Federal District and other Brazilian States.

RESUMO: A febre catarral maligna (FCM) é uma doença causada pela infecção de bovinos pelo herpesvírus ovino tipo 2 (OvHV-2), responsável por perdas econômicas em diferentes regiões do Brasil. Neste trabalho descreve-se a detecção molecular por nested-PCR (nPCR) do OvHV-2 em amostras de secreção/esfoliação nasal e fração celular sanguínea (FCS) de ovinos provenientes de 8 propriedades do Distrito Federal. Das 188 amostras nasais analisadas, 88 (41,5%) foram positivas. Ovelhas prenhes não apresentaram diferenças na taxa de infecção em comparação com fêmeas paridas. Fêmeas recém-paridas apresentaram taxa de infecção pelo OvHV-2 maior que em animais que pariram há mais de 60 dias. Amostras de secreção/esfoliação nasal permitiram a detecção por nPCR de animais infectados com uma eficiência aproximadamente duas vezes maior que em amostras de fração celular sanguínea. No Brasil, informações epidemiológicas sobre a infecção pelo OvHV-2 nos rebanhos ovinos e fatores envolvidos no surgimento de surtos de FCM em bovinos são escassos. Este estudo pode servir de subsídio para elucidar as características da enfermidade e para novos estudos sobre a epidemiologia da doença no Distrito Federal e em outros Estados do Brasil.

Obliterative vasculitis caused by ovine herpesvirus type 2 in cattle

Background: Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a frequently fatal viral infection that affects various wild and domestic ruminants and even pigs, as recently reported. It is a disease characterized by lymphoproliferation, vasculitis and erosiveulcerative lesions in mucosa and skin. In Brazil, the virus that circulates and causes the disease has been identified as OvHV-2. The aim of this study is to describe the clinicopathological changes in a cow with obliterative vasculitis caused by OvHV-2. Case: A two-year-old Gir cow with a history of intermittent diarrhea and progressive weight loss for approximately a year, which had not improved with antibiotic therapy, was euthanized and subjected to necropsy. In the necropsy, the liver was enlarged, firm, and had a marbled aspect all over the capsular and cut surfaces (light striations intercalated with dark areas). Cut surfaces also revealed thickening of the vessel walls, which exhibited a branched pattern. There was marked thickening of the small and large intestinal walls. The hepatic, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged. The samples were fixed in 10% phosphate-buffered formalin, routinely processed for histology, embedded in paraffin, cut 5-µm sections, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Additionally, sections of the liver and ileum were subjected to Masson's trichrome staining. The main microscopic alterations were found in the vessels (arteries and veins) of the liver and intestine. Periportal fibrosis and marked pericholangitis which would sometimes form bridges were observed in the liver. Transmural and perivascular fibrosis; the muscular layer was ruptured and there was proliferation of the intima, which caused obliteration of the lumen were also present. The lymph nodes' medullae exhibited intense infiltration of macrophages and plasma cells with areas of fibrosis, capillary proliferation, and atrophy of medullary cords. Neovascularization and marked inflammatory infiltrates composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and eosinophils were also present. Masson's trichrome staining revealed areas of fibroplasia. The tissue samples of the carotid rete mirabile, brain and liver were submitted for identification of OvHV-2 by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) tested was positive for ovine herpesvirus type 2. Discussion: The main histological findings (obliterative vasculitis observed in the small and large intestines, liver, and lymph nodes) plus the detection of viral DNA of OvHV-2 in fragments of the carotid rete mirabile, brain, and liver by nPCR confirmed the diagnosis of malignant catarrhal fever. Chronic cases of MCF in cattle are not often described. The disease is usually manifested in a hyperacute or acute form which culminates with death. The most frequent clinical presentation is the head and eye form, which is characterized by corneal opacity, and ocular, nasal, and oral serous discharge. Bovines with MCF usually exhibit macroscopic and microscopic changes in various organs due to the pansystemic characteristic of the virus, which causes vasculopathy and lymphadenopathy. In this report, the changes were restricted to the intestines, liver, and lymph nodes. The obliterative vasculitis seen in this case is similar to the changes described in cases of chronic. Other herpesviruses which cause lesions to the vascular wall can also cause hyperplasia of the muscular layer with progression to obliterative arteriopathy. This paper reports a presentation of MCR not previously described in Brazil. PCR was an important tool for the conclusion of this case.

Obliterative vasculitis caused by ovine herpesvirus type 2 in cattle / Obliterative vasculitis caused by ovine herpesvirus type 2 in cattle

Background: Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a frequently fatal viral infection that affects various wild and domestic ruminants and even pigs, as recently reported. It is a disease characterized by lymphoproliferation, vasculitis and erosiveulcerative lesions in mucosa and skin. In Brazil, the virus that circulates and causes the disease has been identifi ed as OvHV-2. The aim of this study is to describe the clinicopathological changes in a cow with obliterative vasculitis caused by OvHV-2.Case: A two-year-old Gir cow with a history of intermittent diarrhea and progressive weight loss for approximately a year, which had not improved with antibiotic therapy, was euthanized and subjected to necropsy. In the necropsy, the liver was enlarged, fi rm, and had a marbled aspect all over the capsular and cut surfaces (light striations intercalated with dark areas). Cut surfaces also revealed thickening of the vessel walls, which exhibited a branched pattern. There was marked thickening of the small and large intestinal walls. The hepatic, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged. The samples were fi xed in 10% phosphate-buffered formalin, routinely processed for histology, embedded in paraffi n, cut 5-µm sections, and stained stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Additionally, sections of the liver and ileum were subjected to Massons trichrome staining. The main microscop

Background: Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a frequently fatal viral infection that affects various wild and domestic ruminants and even pigs, as recently reported. It is a disease characterized by lymphoproliferation, vasculitis and erosiveulcerative lesions in mucosa and skin. In Brazil, the virus that circulates and causes the disease has been identifi ed as OvHV-2. The aim of this study is to describe the clinicopathological changes in a cow with obliterative vasculitis caused by OvHV-2.Case: A two-year-old Gir cow with a history of intermittent diarrhea and progressive weight loss for approximately a year, which had not improved with antibiotic therapy, was euthanized and subjected to necropsy. In the necropsy, the liver was enlarged, fi rm, and had a marbled aspect all over the capsular and cut surfaces (light striations intercalated with dark areas). Cut surfaces also revealed thickening of the vessel walls, which exhibited a branched pattern. There was marked thickening of the small and large intestinal walls. The hepatic, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged. The samples were fi xed in 10% phosphate-buffered formalin, routinely processed for histology, embedded in paraffi n, cut 5-µm sections, and stained stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Additionally, sections of the liver and ileum were subjected to Massons trichrome staining. The main microscop

Diagnóstico de febre catarral maligna em bovinos do Uruguai / Diagnosis of malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Uruguay

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de 14 focos de febre catarral maligna (FCM) em bovinos, detectados nos anos de 1999-2011, a partir dos arquivos da Seção Anatomia Patológica da Divisão de Laboratórios Veterinários (DILAVE) "Miguel C. Rubino" Montevideo. Foram analisados os dados epidemiológicos, apresentação clínica e lesões macroscópicas e histopatológicas. Para a detecção do herpesvírus ovino tipo 2 (OvHV-2) foi utilizada a técnica de PCR sobre as amostras do sistema nervoso central de bovinos de 12 focos. Os surtos ocorreram principalmente nos meses de primavera e verão, na região norte do país. Em 64% (9/14) dos focos ocorreram episódios individuais da enfermidade, enquanto que os casos coletivos foram 5, nos quais a morbidade e mortalidade oscilaram entre 2% e 5%, sendo a letalidade 100% em todos os relatos. Em 50% dos surtos foi confirmado o contato direto entre bovinos e ovinos, enquanto no restante não havia tal informação. Clinicamente predominaram os sinais de opacidade bilateral da córnea, conjuntivite, secreção nasal e ocular mucopurulenta, assim como a síndrome nervosa. Os achados de necropsia mais frequentes foram opacidade bilateral da córnea e lesões inflamatórias nas mucosas. Os achados histopatológicos caracterizaram-se por panvasculite necrótica sistêmica. Foi possível detectar o agente etiológico por PCR em 5 dos 12 casos analisados.(AU)

A retrospective study of 14 outbreaks of malignant catarrh fever (MCF) in cattle detected between 1999 and 2011 was performed based upon the files of the DILAVE "Miguel C. Rubino" Montevideo Pathology Laboratory. Epidemiological data, clinical presentation, gross and histopathological lesions were analyzed. PCR was used on central nervous system samples of 12 bovines for the detection of ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2). The outbreaks occurred mainly in spring and summer in the northern region of the country. Sixty four percent (9/14) were individual episodes of the disease while five cases were collective, with morbidity and mortality rates were 2-5%, being the lethality 100% in all the reports. In 50% of the outbreaks the direct contact between cattle and sheep was confirmed, while there was not such information in the rest of the cases. Predominant clinical signs were bilateral corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, ocular and nasal mucopurulent discharge, and nervous syndrome. The most frequent necropsy findings were bilateral corneal opacity and inflammatory lesions in the mucosa. Histopathological findings were characterized by systemic necrotizing panvasculite. It was possible to detect the etiological agent by PCR in 5 out of 12 cases examined.(AU)

First confirmed diagnosis of Sheep-associated Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Bison in Argentina

In Argentina, cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) are suspected to have occurred according to macro and microscopic lesions. However, none has been corroborated by molecular tests. We describe here the first laboratory confirmed case of MCF in Argentina occurring in American bison confined in the Buenos Aires Zoo.(AU)

Malignant Catarrhal Fever in a Calf in Espírito Santo State, Brazil: Report of the First Case

A case of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is described in a 9-month-old, male, mixed breed calf from Espírito Santo State, southeastern Brazil. MCF had not yet been described in this region. The clinical course was 5 days and clinical signs included proprioceptive deficits, depression, dyspnea, coughing, nasal discharge, and erosive-ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity. Necropsy findings included erosive-ulcerative lesions in the alimentary tract and bronchopneumonia. Histopathological exam revealed widespread lymphoplasmacytic vasculitis associated with fibrinoid necrosis of vessel walls, mainly in the vessels of carotid rete mirabile. The diagnosis of MCF was made based on clinical, necropsy and histological findings.(AU)

Malignant catarrhal fever-like lesions associated with ovine herpesvirus-2 infection in young calves (Bos indicus): a case report

Infection of susceptible ruminants, including domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and American bison (Bison bison), with ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) may provoke the fatal vasculitis and lymphoproliferative syndrome, known as malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), reported worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a clinical case of MCF-like lesions associated with ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) infection in young calves (Bos indicus) including central nervous symptoms that occurred in Três Lagoas city, Mato Grosso do Sul state, a border town near São Paulo state, Brazil. The diagnosis was based on typical histological lesions characterized by systemic lymphohistiocytic and fibrinoid vasculitis, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of detected OvHV-2 sequences. This finding indicates that MCF disease is spread among herds concentrated in border areas between Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo states.(AU)

FEBRE CATARRAL MALIGNA EM BOVINOS NOS ESTADOS DO PARÁ E MARANHÃO

Febre Catarral Maligna (FCM) é uma enfermidade infecciosa viral, aguda, pansistêmica, que acomete principalmente ruminantes domésticos e selvagens. A doença possui alta letalidade e no Brasil tem sido relacionada ao herpesvírus ovino2. A doença é relatada em várias regiões do Brasil, porém não há dados da mesma na região norte do país e no estado do Maranhão. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos e moleculares de surtos de FCM ocorridos em bovinos de quatro propriedades rurais no estado do Pará e duas no estado do Maranhão. Em cinco propriedades foi observada a criação consorciada entre bovinos e ovinos. A taxa de morbidade variou de 0,07% a 37,14% em todos os surtos, enquanto a taxa de letalidade foi de 100% na maioria destes. Em apenas um surto, a letalidade foi de 99,5%, devido a recuperação de um animal. Os principais sinais clínicos incluíram hipertermia, opacidade de córnea, ceratoconjuntivite, secreção ocular e nasal, sialorreia, anorexia, diarreia, erosões e ulcerações na mucosa oral e desordens neurológicas. As principais alterações observadas nas necropsias foram lesões erosivas e ulcerativas nas mucosas da cavidade oral, da língua, da gengiva, do esôfago, da cavidade nasal e da traqueia. Adicionalmente foi observado exsudato catarral nas narinas, hiperemia e edema nos cornetos nasais, além de petéquias e hematomas na face central da língua e esôfago, respectivamente. Outros achados relevantes nos surtos foram aumento de volume de linfonodos e placas de Peyer, focos esbranquiçados no córtex renal, lesões ulcerativas e hemorrágicas na bexiga e hiperemia nas leptomeninges do encéfalo. Microscopicamente, o principal achado foi vasculite com necrose fibrinoide em artérias de pequeno e médio calibre de múltiplos órgãos. Outros achados frequentes foram necrose e inflamação de epitélios de revestimento em vários tecidos, hiperplasia linfoide, bem como, encefalite, nefrite, cistite e pneumonia intersticiais não supurativas. O DNA do herpesvírus ovino tipo 2 foi detectado pela técnica de reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) em tecidos fixados em formol e incluídos em parafina de bovinos de um dos surtos no estado do Pará e nos dois surtos no estado do Maranhão. Os dados do presente trabalho confirmam a ocorrência da FCM em rebanhos bovinos do estado do Pará e Maranhão e demonstram que a enfermidade deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de doenças neurológicas ou digestivas em bovinos em ambos estados.

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is an acute and systemic viral infectious disease of domestics and wild ruminants. The disease has high fatality rate and on Brazil has been associated to ovine herpesvirus-2. The disease is reported in several regions of Brazil, but there is no data the same in the north of the country and in the state of Maranhão. The aim this paper was reported the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and molecular findings of MCF outbreaks in cattle from four farms in the state of Pará and two in the state of Maranhão. In five farms was observed a mixed farming of cattle and sheep. The morbidity rate ranged from 0.07% to 37.14% in all outbreaks. While the fatality rate was 100% in almost outbreaks, but just one outbreak the fatality rate was 99.5% due to recovery of an animal. The main clinical signs included hyperthermia, corneal opacity, keratoconjunctivitis, ocular discharge and nose, drooling, anorexia, diarrhea, erosions and ulcerations in the oral mucosa and neurological disorders. The main changes observed in necropsies were erosive and ulcerative lesions in the mucosal of the oral cavity, tongue, esophagus, nasal cavity and trachea. Additionally it was observed catarrhal exudate in the nose, hyperemia and edema in the nasal turbinates, and petechiae and bruising in the central surface of the tongue and esophagus, respectively. Other relevant findings in the outbreaks were enlargement of lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, whitish foci in the renal córtex, ulcerative and hemorrhagic lesions in the bladder and hyperemia of leptomeninges of the brain. Microscopically, the main finding was vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis in small and medium-sized arteries of multiple organs. Other common findings were necrosis and inflammation epithelium lining in several tissues, lymphoid hyperplasia, as well as nonsuppurative interstitial nephritis, cystitis and pneumonia. The ovine herpesvirus 2 DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in tissues fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin of cattle from a outbreak in the state of Pará and two outbreaks in the state of Maranhão. The present data confirm the occurrence of MCF in cattle herds on states of Pará and Maranhão and demonstrate that the disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurological or digestive diseases in cattle in both states.

An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Murrah buffaloes in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Surto de febre catarral maligna (FCM) em búfalos da raça Murrah no estado de Minas Gerais

An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulted in death of five female buffaloes and one domestic cow from the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the appearance of clinical signs, while the fifth was euthanized in extremis, after similar clinical signs. Histopathological lesions included multifocal histiolymphocytic epicarditis, myocarditis and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, which are commonly seen in cases of MCF in buffaloes. Furthermore, lymphocytic vasculitis centered in the adventitia, with occasional fibrinoid necrosis in the muscular layer, was found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and brain. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA fragments from the central nervous system amplified by PCR revealed 98 percent similarity with known OHV-2 sequences from Genbank. Additionally, PCR analysis also revealed the presence of OHV-2 DNA in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells of two clinically healthy buffaloes. The diagnosis of MCFwas based on epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and on the results of a semi-nested PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing.(AU)

É relatado um surto de febre catarral maligna (FCM) em Minas Gerais, que resultou na morte de 5 búfalas e uma vaca de uma mesma propriedade. Quatro búfalas morreram com 10-15 dias após o início dos sinais clínicos e uma búfala foi sacrificada in extremis, após manifestar sinais clínicos semelhantes. O exame histopatológico revelou lesões comumente observadas em búfalos com FCM como epicardite e miocardite histiolinfocítica multifocal e pneumonia linfocítica intersticial. Além disso, vasculite linfocítica, principalmente na camada adventícia, com necrose fibrinóide da camada muscular, foi observada no rim, fígado, baço, linfonodos e cérebro. A seqüência de nucleotídeos amplificada pela técnica de PCR revelou 98 por cento de homologia entre o fragmento de DNA amplificado da amostra do sistema nervoso central (SNC) da búfala com seqüências de OHV-2 previamente depositadas no Genbank. Adicionalmente, a técnica de PCR revelou a presença do DNA viral no sangue total de 2 búfalas, clinicamente sadias. O diagnóstico de FCM foi baseado em dados epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos, histopatológicos e semi-nested PCR.(AU)

Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Estado de Mato Grosso / Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Relatam-se a ocorrência em quatro propriedades rurais no Estado de Mato Grosso, de casos de febre catarral maligna (FCM) em bovinos criados em contato com ovinos. Todos os casos acompanhados tiveram evolução aguda e não se notou a recuperação dos bovinos. Dois casos ocorreram no município de Cuiabá. No primeiro, em janeiro de 2006, adoeceram e morreram 8 animais de um rebanho com 148 bovinos, no outro, morreu 1 de um rebanho com 30 animais em setembro de 2006. Um terceiro caso foi notado no município de Rondonópolis, onde morreram 3 de 160 bovinos em abril de 2007. O último caso relatado ocorreu no município de Cáceres no mês de setembro de 2007, morrendo 2 de 450 bovinos. O curso clínico variou de 4 a 7 dias. Os principais sinais clínicos foram hipertermia, lacrimejamento intenso, corrimento catarral nasal e oral, opacidade de córnea, sialorréia, diarréia, erosão da mucosa oral, nasal e genital, incoordenação motora, depressão e morte. Aumento do volume de linfonodos, erosões e úlceras na cavidade oral, nasal e esôfago foram achados constantes em quatro bovinos necropsiados. Arterite com degeneração fibrinóide em arteríolas e pequenas artérias, a necrose do epitélio de revestimento em vários órgãos e tecidos foram os principais achados histológicos. Através da técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase "nested" (nPCR), o DNA do Herpesvírus Ovino tipo 2 foi detectado em tecido parafinado ou congelado em 3 de 4 bovinos deste estudo.(AU)

Four outbreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in cattle, which had contact with sheep, in Mato Grosso, Brazil, are described. In all cases, the animals had a clinical course of 4 to 7 days with no recovery. Two outbreaks occurred in the municipality of Cuiabá, the first in January 2006 with 8 cattle affected from a herd of 148, and the second in one out of 30 cattle in September 2006. The third outbreak occurred in April 2007 in the municipality of Rondonópolis, where 3 cattle died in a herd of 160. The fourth outbreak was in the municipality of Caceres in September 2007, where 2 out of 450 cattle were affected. The clinical signs were hyperthermia, intense lacrimation, nasal and oral discharge, corneal opacity, sialorrhea, oral, nasal and genital mucosal erosions, incoordination, depression and death. Necropsy findings in 4 animals were similar and consisted of lymph node swelling, and nasal, oral and esophagus erosion and ulceration. Histologically, arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration was observed in small arteries and arterioles, associated with epithelial necrosis in various organs and tissues. A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) detected ovine herpes virus type 2 in frozen and paraffin embedded tissues in 3 cases.(AU)

Febre catarral maligna em bovinos na Paraíba / Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil

É relatada a ocorrência de febre catarral maligna (FCM) em bovinos no estado da Paraíba. Descrevem-se seis casos esporádicos da doença, diagnosticados no período de 2000 a 2005, e um surto ocorrido em 1986-1987 no município de Taperoá. Em um caso foi feito o diagnóstico clínico e nos demais casos o diagnóstico foi realizado pela presença de vasculite difusa com degeneração fibrinóide e infiltrado mononuclear perivascular em diversos órgãos. Em 5 casos adoeceu apenas um bovino por rebanho, e em outro adoeceram 2 animais de um rebanho de 6 bovinos. Em 5 dos 6 casos a doença ocorreu no período de maio-agosto coincidindo com o fim da estação chuvosa e época de parição das ovelhas. Os sinais clínicos e achados de necropsia foram característicos da doença. Quatro dos seis animais morreram após um curso clínico de 5-8 dias e um foi eutanasiado após um curso de 40 dias. O surto descrito no município de Taperoá ocorreu de agosto de 1986 a dezembro de 1987, com morbidade de 8,22 por cento e letalidade de 100 por cento. A doença ocorreu após a introdução de um carneiro no rebanho ovino que convivia com os bovinos. O surto foi controlado somente após a eliminação de todos os ovinos da propriedade. Esses resultados demonstram que a febre catarral maligna é endêmica em bovinos na Paraíba, podendo também ocorrer surtos com alta morbidade e letalidade. Além disso, sugerem que, como descrito no Rio Grande do Sul e em outros países, alguns animais podem se recuperar. Os diagnósticos de FCM corresponderam a 3,1 por cento dos 190 casos diagnosticados no Hospital Veterinário no período de 2000-2005, estimando-se que a doença afeta, anualmente, 0,125 por cento dos bovinos no Estado.(AU)

Six cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) observed from 2000 to 2005, and one outbreak occurred from 1986 to 1987 are reported in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In one case the disease was diagnosed clinically and in 5 cases also by histopathology consisting of diffuse vasculitis with fibrinoid degeneration and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells in many organs. In 5 cases only one cattle was affected, and in one, 2 out of 6 cattle were affected. Five cases occurred from May to August, at the end of the raining season during the lambing season. Clinical signs and pathology were characteristics of the disease. Four cattle died after a clinical manifestation period of 5-8 days, another was euthanized after 40 days, and another recovered. The outbreak reported in the municipality of Taperoá occurred from August 1986 to December 1987, with a morbidity rate of 8.22 percent and a fatality rate of 100 percent. The disease occurred after the introduction of a ram in the farm. The outbreak was controlled after the slaughter of all sheep in the farm. These results demonstrated that MCF is endemic in Paraíba, and outbreaks with high morbidity and fatality rates can also occur. As it was previously reported in the state of Rio Grande do Sul few affected cattle can recovered. Because the 6 cases of MCF represent 3.1 percent of the 190 cases of different diseases diagnosed by the Veterinary Hospital from 2000 to 2005, it can be estimated that the disease affects 0.125 percent of cattle population in the state of Paraíba.(AU)

Histomorfologia do gânglio de Gasser, da rete mirabile carotídea e da hipófise de bovinos: estudo de 199 casos / Histomorphology of the Gasserian ganglion, carotid rete mirabile and pituitary gland in cattle: a study of 199 cases

O complexo heterogêneo de tecidos formado pelo gânglio de Gasser, rete mirabile carotídea e hipófise (GRH) de 199 bovinos foram macro e microscopicamente avaliados. Vinte e um GRH eram de casos confirmados de raiva, 19 com diagnóstico de meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5 (BoHV-5), 11 casos de febre catarral maligna (FCM), 7 tinham abscesso de pituitária, 17 apresentaram lesões de encefalopatia hepática (status spongiosus) atribuído à fibrose crônica por intoxicação por Senecio sp; e os 124 GRH restantes eram provenientes de bovinos que não apresentaram sinais neurológicos e que morreram ou foram eutanasiados por causas diversas. Nenhuma alteração histológica significativa foi observada no GRH dos 124 bovinos que não tinham sinais neurológicos, nos 17 bovinos com encefalopatia hepática, nem nos 19 bovinos afetados por meningoencefalite por BoHV-5. Alterações inflamatórias foram encontradas em 20 dos 21 casos de raiva e consistiam de proliferação de células satélites, nódulos gliais e infiltrado linfo-plasmocitário; alterações degenerativas incluíam cromatólise central, vacuolização neuronal e necrose neuronal com neuronofagia. Corpúsculos de inclusão eosinofílicos intracitoplasmáticos (de Negri) foram encontrados em 19 dos 21 casos de raiva; neurite do nervo trigêmeo em 11 casos e neuroipofisite em 4 casos. O complexo GRH de 9 de 11 casos de FCM apresentava arterite necrosante, que afetava as artérias da rete mirabile carotídea. Em 7 dos 199 GRH examinados havia abscessos de pituitária caracterizados por agregados de neutrófilos e detritos celulares circundados por infiltrado mononuclear e cápsula fibrosa. Vários achados incidentais foram observados nos 199 GRH examinados histologicamente e não foram correlacionados com alterações ligadas a doenças. Estes incluíam cistos na cavidade hipofisária, agregados de fibrina e neutrófilos no seio cavernoso da rete mirabile carotídea, leve aumento do número de células satélites ao redor dos neurônios ... (AU)

The complex of heterogenous tissues formed by the Gasserian ganglia, carotid rete mirabile and pituitary gland (GRH) from 199 cattle were grossly and histologically evaluated. Twenty one of the GRH were from comfirmed cases of rabies, 19 were diagnosed as cases of meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5 (BoHV-5), 11 were confirmed cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), 7 had pituitary abscesses, 17 had lesions of hepatic encephalopathy (status spongiosus) attributable to chronic liver failure due to Senecio sp poisoning; and the remaining 124 GRH were from cattle which did not present neurological signs and died or were euthanatized due to various causes. No significant histologic changes were observed in the GRH from the 124 cattle which did not present neurological signs, in the GRH of the 17 cattle that had hepatic encephalopathy neither in the GRH of the 19 cattle diagnosed with BoHV-5 meningoencephalitis. Inflammatory changes were found in the Gasserian ganglia of 20 out of 21 cases of rabies and consisted of proliferation of sattelite cells, glial nodules and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate; degenerative changes included central chromatolysis, neuronal vacuolation, and neuronal death with neuronophagia. Characteristic eosinophilic intracytoplasmatic inclusion (Negri) bodies were found in 19 out of 21 cases of rabies, neuritis of the fifth nerve in 11, and neurohypophysitis in 4 cases. The GRH from nine of the eleven cases of MCF had characteristic necrotizing arteritis affecting the arteries of the carotid rete mirabile. In seven cases pituitary abscesses were found; they were characterized by large aggregates of neutrophils admixed with cellular debris and surrounded by mononuclear cells and were walled by a fibrous capsule. Several incidental findings were observed equally in the 199 histologically examined GRH and consequently were non specific for any disease entity. These include cysts in the pituitary cleft, fibrin and neutrophilic ...(AU)

Cllnical, laboratorial and pathological findings of Mallgnant Catarrhal Fever in ten bovine coming from Pernambuco"s Wasteland Southern Region / Achados clínicos, laboratoriais e patológicos em dez bovinos com Febre Catarral Maligna criados no Agreste Meridional de Pernambuco

The purpose of this work was to repor! the clinical, laboratorial and pathological findings of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) in bovine coming from Pernambuco"s Wasteland Southern Region attended at the Bovine Clinic/Garanhuns Campus-UFRPE. Ten cases of MCF were analyzed, most of which were young, that showed signs of fever, diphteric mucosa, Iymphadenopathy, ocular and nasal purulent secretion, drooling, nervous manifestations; and as histopathological findings were observed necrosant vasculitis and mononuclear infiltrated in several organs. It was also evidenced that there was a relationship between the sprouting of the di¬sease and the convivialily with the sheep at the farms.

Este trabalho tem por objetivo relatar os achados clinicos, laboratoriais e patológicos sobre a ocorrência da Febre Catarral Maligna em bovinos, provenientes do Agreste Meridional do Estado de Pernambuco, atendidos na Clinica de Bovinos/Campus Garanhuns -UFRPE entre os anos de 2002 e 2005. Foram diagnosticados dez animais os quais vieram a óbito, sendo na sua maioria jovens, que apresentaram sinais clínicos como febre, lesões diftéricas nas mucosas, linfadenopatia, secreção ocular e nasal purulentas, sialorréia, manifestações nervosas; e como achados histopatológicos foram observadas lesões de vasculite necrosante e infiltrado mononudear em diversos órgãos. Foi constatado também, que havia relação entre o surgimento da doença e o convívio com ovinos nas propriedades.

Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e patologia / Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology

São descritos a epidemiologia, os sinais clínicos e os achados de necropsia e histopatológicos observados em casos de febre catarral maligna (FCM), que ocorreram de 1973 a 2003 em bovinos de 15 fazendas no Rio Grande do Sul. Em nove ocasiões (60 por cento), a doença ocorreu de forma esporádica, afetando 1-3 bovinos por rebanho, enquanto, em seis fazendas (40 por cento), a FCM ocorreu de forma epizoótica, afetando vários bovinos em cada rebanho. As taxas de morbidade variaram de 2,4 por cento a 20 por cento, e as taxas de letalidade foram de 83,3 por cento a 100 por cento. Bovinos de todas as idades e ambos os sexos foram afetados. Nos casos em que foi possível obter essa informação (9 fazendas), sempre havia ovinos em contato com os bovinos afetados, e o maior número de casos de FCM ocorreu na primavera e verão. A doença clínica era aguda ou subaguda, e os sinais clínicos incluíam febre, corrimento nasal e ocular, conjuntivite, salivação excessiva, hematúria, necrose das papilas bucais que se tornavam rombas, linfadenopatia, diarréia e distúrbios neurológicos. Os achados de necropsia incluíam opacidade da córnea, erosões e ulcerações em várias membranas mucosas do trato alimentar, respiratório, urogenital e conjuntiva; aumento de volume e hemorragia em linfonodos e múltiplos focos brancos nos córtices renais e nas tríades portais hepáticas. Dermatite crostosa foi observada em alguns casos. Os principais achados histopatológicos incluíam vasculite, necrose dos epitélios de revestimento e acúmulos de células inflamatórias em vários órgãos. A vasculite era associada com necrose fibrinóide da túnica média das artérias e acompanhada de infiltrado inflamatório constituído por linfoblastos, linfócitos, plasmócitos e macrófagos. (AU)

The epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings in cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle from 15 farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1973 to 2003, are described. In 9 instances (60%) the disease occurred as sporadic cases affecting 1-3 cattle whereas in six farms (40%) MCF occurred as epizootics involving several cattle in each affected herd. Morbidity rates ranged from 2.4% to 20% and lethality rates were 83.3% and 100%. Cattle of all ages and both sexes were affected. Where the information was available (9 farms) sheep were in contact with affected cattle and cases of MCF occurred more frequently in spring and summer. Clinical courses were acute or subacute and clinical signs included fever, nasal and ocular discharges, conjunctivitis, drooling, hematuria, necrosis and blunting of buccal papillae, enlargement of lymph nodes, diarrhea and neurological disturbances. Necropsy findings included opaque corneas, reddening, erosions and ulcerations in several mucous membranes of the alimentary, respiratory and urogenital tracts, and the conjunctiva; enlargement and haemorrhage of lymph nodes and multiple white foci in the renal cortices and in the hepatic portal triads. Crustous dermatitis was observed in some cases. Main histopathological findings included vasculitis, necrosis of the surface epithelia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in several organs. Vasculitis were associated with fibrinoid necrosis of the medial layer of arteries and inflammatory cells included lymphoblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.(AU)

Febre catarral maligna em bovinos do Mato Grosso do Sul e de São Paulo

The epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy findings and histopathology of 6 cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in cattle from five farms located in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo, Brazil are described. The disease occurred in cattle of both sexes, ranging from 4-months to 11 years of age. Morbidity rates were 0.25%-6.6% and lethality was 100%. Clinical courses were acute in six cases (2-3 days) and chronic in one (3 months). Presumptive diagnosis of MCF in the cases in this report were made by clinical signs and necropsy findings and comfirmed by histopathological examination. Clinical signs in acute cases were fever, mucopurulent nasal discharge, corneal opacity, drooling and ulcers in several mucosal surfaces and neurologic disturbances. The chronic case had corneal opacity and neurologic signs. Necropsy findings included hyperemia and diphteric lesions in several epithelial surfaces and histopathology consisted of vasculitis, multifocal disseminated foci of mononuclear cell infiltrate, and necrosis of epithelial surfaces.

São descritos a epidemiologia, os sinais clínicos, os achados de necropsia e a histopatologia de seis casos de febre catarral maligna (FCM) em bovinos de 5 fazendas localizadas nos estados de Mato Grosso do Sul e São Paulo. A doença ocorreu em bovinos de ambos os sexos e com idades variando de 4 meses a 11 anos. Os índices de morbidade variaram de 0,25% a 6.6% e a letalidade foi de 100%. A evolução clínica foi aguda (2-3 dias) em seis casos e crônica em um (3 meses). O diagnóstico presuntivo de FCM nos casos descritos neste relato foi baseado nos sinais clínicos, achados de necropsia e confirmados pela histopatologia. Os principais sinais clínicos nos casos agudos foram febre, corrimento mucopurulento pelas fossas nasais, opacidade da córnea, sialorréia, úlceras em várias superfícies mucosas e distúrbios nervosos. O bovino do caso crônico mostrou opacidade da córnea e distúrbios neurológicos. Os principais achados de necropsia incluíam hiperemia e lesões diftéricas em várias superfícies epiteliais e a histopatologia consistiu de vasculite, focos de infiltrado mononuclear multifocal em vários órgãos e necrose de superfícies epiteliais.