| a highly contagious, usually fatal disease of cattle, sheep, and other animals, caused by the herpesvirus Herpes suis, and characterized by severe pruritus and progressive central nervous system involvement sometimes including an aggressive excitement phase. |
| Main Entry: | pseudorabies |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | See mad itch |
pseudorabies
viralviral disease mainly of cattle and swine but also affecting sheep, goats, dogs, cats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and rodents. It is not considered to be a disease of humans. Infected swine lose their appetites and may have convulsive fits. Survivors of the initial attack scratch and are restless. A cow shows infection by rubbing against posts and by licking and biting the affected areas. The itching becomes so intense that the animal lunges and runs about in a rabieslike frenzy.
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