Malignant catarrhal fever

Malignant head catarrh
Snotsiekte
Catarrhal fever
Gangrenous coryza

Nature

Malignant catarrhal fever, an acute febrile virus disease of cattle, causes gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, affects the eyes and the central nervous system, and is frequently fatal. It is usually transmitted by inoculation of infected blood; transmission from beast to beast by contact is unusual.

Incidence

The disease appears sporadically in cattle in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Brazil and Mexico; is has been recorded, however, in the majority of countries in the world.

Claim

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a critical and often overlooked disease that poses a significant threat to livestock, particularly cattle. Its devastating impact on animal health and the economic repercussions for farmers cannot be underestimated. The rapid spread of MCF, coupled with its high mortality rates, demands urgent attention and research. Ignoring this disease jeopardizes food security and the livelihoods of countless agricultural communities. We must prioritize MCF to safeguard our livestock and agricultural economy.

Counter-claim

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is often overstated as a significant concern in veterinary medicine. While it affects certain livestock, its incidence is relatively low, and effective management strategies exist. The focus on MCF distracts from more pressing issues like zoonotic diseases and climate change, which pose far greater threats to animal and human health. In the grand scheme, MCF is not a priority and should not dominate our resources or attention.