Systematic Veterinary Virology

INTRODUCTION

• The name herpes in Greek means 'herpein' ie. 'to creep'. These viruses cause chronic/latent/recurrent infections in man and animals. The family herpesviridae consists of approximately 100 members and they have been grouped under three sub-families, namely – alphaherpesvirinae, betaherpesvirinae and gammaherpesvirinae. Members of this family cause number of infections in animals, which include Pseudorabies, Marek’s disease, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, infectious laryngotracheitis etc.