EXPERIMENTAL MALIGNANT CATARRHAL FEVER (AFRICAN FORM) IN WHITE-TAILED DEER

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Abstract
White-tailed deer (O. virginianus) were experimentally infected with the African form of malignant catarrhal fever (AMCF) virus by inoculation of whole blood from experimentally infected cattle, from whole blood obtained from a greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and from virus isolated in cell culture. The incubation period from AMCF in experimentally infected deer ranged from 13-18 days. Clinical disease was characterized by lacrimation, an elevated body temperature, conjunctivitis and swelling of the extenral lymph nodes. Histologic lesions were primarily characterized by widespread vasculitis and lymphadenopathy. The organs most severely affected were liver, lymphoid tissue, brain and lungs. Successful recovery and identification of AMCF virus was accomplished from 1 experientally infected deer.