update on the final viral isolation of the Alabama facility
MCF spread by sheep that were housed at the facility
think it is more common in the south, anyone that has more info about that please share
Alabama Deer Die-Off Caused by Virus, Not CWD
Source: WAFF.com
MONTGOMERY, AL (WAFF) - State and federal agriculture officials said they have determined the cause of a die-off situation at a North Alabama deer breeding facility.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Reference Lab in Iowa confirmed that ovine herpesvirus-2, also known as Malignant Catarrhal Fever, caused a die-off that began in May.
Officials said the die-off was contained to the one breeding facility, and preventative measures have begun to protect the whitetail herd that remains.
Domesticated sheep who did not show symptoms, and that were housed in an adjacent pen to the deer, initially had the virus, which spread to the herd.
MCF causes no harm to humans, pets or other domesticated livestock. Affected deer will not transmit the virus to other deer or livestock.
"This isolated incident reminds producers how important it is to have strict bio-security measures in place," said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier. "Diseases like MCF, that are asymptomatic in domestic animals, can be devastating to native wild animals."
http://buckbreeders.com/articles/alabama-deer-die-caused-virus-not-cwd
