Genomic detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 in South Indian sheep and goat

The ovine herpes virus-Z (OHV-2), that causes malignant catarrhal fever in ruminants, is an important pathogen in areas where clinically susceptible ruminants sh~pjlStureland. Malignant catarrhal fever has been listed by OlE in risk group B and up to January 2007 it was considered as exotic for the country. Rapid di~gnosis of exotic pathogens that cause similar clinical diseases is important for containment of epidemics. This investigation on 612 clinical specimenfrom 600 sheep and goats in south Indian states revealed the presence of OHV-2 specific genomic sequences in 17 samples of infected animals from clinics that were diagnosed for acute respiratory syndrome, as well as acute fever, and sudden onset of blindness.