Malignant catarrhal fever
Also known as Bovine malignant catarrh
Description
Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is an infectious systemic disease that affects mainly cattle and deer. The disease occurs sporadically in cattle and is typically acute and fatal. Occasionally animals may experience mild infections with evidence of recovery. Clinical signs range from mucopurulent discharge from the eyes, nose and mouth, bilateral corneal opacity, mucosal erosions, swollen lymph nodes, lameness, and neurological signs (trembling, stupor, aggressiveness, and convulsions) to sudden death, fever and depression.
MCF is caused by gammaherpesvirus of the Macavirus genus, transmitted from sheep and wIldebeest (ovine herpesvirus-2 and alcelaphine herpesvirus-1). MCF is transmitted only from carriers to clinically susceptible animals; affected animals do not transmit the virus. Recrudescence of latent Infection can occur in previously infected animals which survived.
Diagnosis and tests available
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is supported by the history of sporadic infection, clinical signs, supportive histopathology and virus detection.
Tests available
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
|---|---|---|---|
Histopathology examination | Fixed tissue | Monday –Friday | Up to 5D |
Malignant catarrhal fever virus real time PCR | EDTA blood (purple top tube) | According to demand | 2-3D |
Please Note: D= Working Day(s), W= Week(s). TAT does not include weekends or public holidays.
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
Additional Information
Specimen requirements
| Blood (with anti-coagulant) |
|---|
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| Fixed tissue |
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Note
Appropriate samples should also be submitted to exclude Pestivirus or Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis.
Customer Service
Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
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CONTACT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1800 675 623 |
| Operating Hours | 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only) |
| Postal Address | Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567 |
Quotations
For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request
For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957
For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103
Submission Forms
Veterinary Specimen Advice Form
Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au) for more information.
Courier services and specimen delivery
For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.
For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.
Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the SVDL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.
Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).
Sample Type | Laboratory | Street Address |
|---|---|---|
Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |
