Scientific Achievement by a Research Team at the University of Basrah: Identification of Two New Isolates of a Virus Causing a Serious Livestock Disease
A joint research team from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Agriculture at the University of Basrah, led by Dr. Wissam Mundher and Dr. Hassan Neamah, has announced the diagnose of two new isolates of Ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvHV 2)—the virus responsible for Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF), a serious infectious disease in livestock that causes significant economic losses.
The virus was isolated and diagnosed from affected cases in southern Iraq. Genetic analysis revealed that these isolates had not been previously recorded in Iraq, and they have now been officially deposited in the GenBank, the global genetic sequence repository.
This discovery represents an important scientific milestone that will support the development of improved diagnostic and preventive methods against MCF. It also underscores the University of Basrah’s leading role in advancing scientific research and serving the community.
Media and Public Relations Unit
College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Basrah