HERPESVIRAL INFECTIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IN RUMINANTS: BoHV-1, BoHV-5, MCFV, PRV

Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), Bovine Herpesvirus-5 (BoHV-5), Pseudorabies Virus (PRV), and Malignant Catarrhal Fever Virus (MCFV) are significant viral pathogens that cause respiratory, neurological, and immunological system diseases in cattle. This review aims to provide a comparative evaluation of these viruses based on current literature in terms of etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventive strategies. BoHV-1 is a globally prevalent virus that can be effectively controlled through vaccination, whereas BoHV-5 primarily affects young calves by causing severe CNS infections and is associated with high mortality rates. Although originating from swine, PRV, can lead to peracute and fatal neurological syndromes in cattle. It has been established that MCFVs, which are transmitted from a variety of reservoir species, are the causative agents of lymphoproliferative and vasculitic disease courses in ruminants. The ability of the mentioned agents to cross species barriers, establish latent infections, and induce neurological signs complicates their control. Effective diagnostic tests, strict biosecurity protocols and the development of new generation vaccines are the main approaches to the controlling these infections.