Over half of tested Iraqi buffaloes had malignant catarrhal fever antibodies
Investigation of the oculo-head form of malignant catarrhal fever in Basrah Buffaloes in Iraq.
Ali Yousif Atshan, Kamal M Alsaad
Open veterinary journal · 2026
Background
Malignant catarrhal fever (malignant catarrhal fever) is a severe infectious disease that can be fatal and infects both domestic and wild animals, including cows, buffalo, deer, bison, exotic ruminants, and even pigs.
Purpose
Malignant catarrhal fever is suspected in Buffalo, Basrah, Iraq.
Methods
The study was conducted on 163 local Iraqi buffalo breeds, aged 2-6 years, of both sexes, showing signs suggestive of malignant catarrhal fever.
n = 163 local Iraqi buffalo breeds
56.44%
Results
56.44%
over half tested had been exposed to this cattle-buffalo virus
n = 163 local Iraqi buffalo breeds
More results
Moreover, leukocytosis due to lymphocytosis, along with a significant difference in clotting factor indices, was encountered.
In addition, hypoglycemia, decreased total protein count, and increased blood urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, and Alkaline phosphatase were encountered in malignant catarrhal fever animals compared with controls.
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Conclusion
Malignant catarrhal fever is endemic and continues to spread among Iraqi animal fields, where the seroprevalence is high (56.44%). Therefore, strict control measures, including regular annual vaccination, are highly recommended.