What is malignant catarrhal fever virus?
The viruses responsible for malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) are herpesviruses. When they infect African wildebeest or domestic sheep, they don’t cause a virus – but when cattle, deer, bison or pigs are infected, the disease they develop is severe and usually fatal.
Our research and its impact
The pathogenesis of MCFV is unique and we’re studying it using gene knockout viruses and next-generation sequencing technologies. We’ve also developed a potential vaccine for AlHV-1 MCF that’s currently undergoing field trials in Tanzania.
Throughout our MCF research, we’re collaborating with groups from Edinburgh (MRI), Liege, Glasgow, Liverpool and Tanzania.