Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Animal Disease Research » People & Locations » Cristina Cunha
Cristina Cunha
Animal Disease Research
Research Veterinary Medical Officer

Phone: (509) 335-6072
Fax: (509) 335-8328

(Employee information on this page comes from the REE Directory. Please contact your front office staff to update the REE Directory.)

Projects
Development of a Vaccine and Improved Diagnostics for Malignant Catarrhal Fever
In-House Appropriated (D)
  Accession Number: 441300
MCF Vaccine Trials in Bison
Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)
  Accession Number: 442804
Prevalence of Antibodies to Malignant Catarrhal Fever Viruses in Cattle and Sheep in Brazil
Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement (S)
  Accession Number: 439788

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon Reprint Icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
Ovine herpesvirus 2 glycoprotein B complementation restores infectivity of a bovine herpesvirus 4 gB-null mutant Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
More, D.D., Baker, K.N., Shringi, S., Bastos, R.G., O'Toole, D., Donofrio, G., Cunha, C.W. 2024. Ovine herpesvirus 2 glycoprotein B complementation restores infectivity of a bovine herpesvirus 4 gB-null mutant. Pathogens. 13(3). Article 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13030219.
Coding complete genome of a strain of ovine herpesvirus-2 associated with a clinical case of malignant catarrhal fever in a domestic lamb Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Herndon, D.R., Herndon, M.K., Cunha, C.W. 2024. Coding complete genome of a strain of ovine herpesvirus-2 associated with a clinical case of malignant catarrhal fever in a domestic lamb. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 13. Article e01107-23. https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01107-23.
Herpes simplex virus 1 glycoprotein B from a hyperfusogenic virus mediates enhanced cell–cell fusion. Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Gianopulos, K.A., Makio, A.O., Pritchard, S.M., Cunha, C.W., Hull, M.A., Nicola, A.V. 2024. Herpes simplex virus 1 glycoprotein B from a hyperfusogenic virus mediates enhanced cell–cell fusion.. Viruses. 16(2). Article 251. https://doi.org/10.3390/v16020251.
Reemerging/notifiable diseases to watch Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wainwright, S.H., Cunha, C.W., Webb, B., McGregor, B.L., Drolet, B.S., Welch, J.B. 2024. Reemerging/notifiable diseases to watch. Veterinary Clinics of North America. 40(2):317-335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2024.01.007.
Immunohistochemical identification of a malignant catarrhal fever virus in cattle with renal diseases from Paraná state, Southern Brazil: A retrospective epidemiological study Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Xavier, A.A., Queiroz, G.R., Lisbôa, J.A., Cunha, C.W., Headley, S.A. 2023. Immunohistochemical identification of a malignant catarrhal fever virus in cattle with renal diseases from Paraná state, Southern Brazil: A retrospective epidemiological study. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 55. Article 344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-023-03740-y.
A serological screening for potential viral pathogens among semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Finland Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Tryland, M., Cunha, C.W., Fuchs, B., Breines, E., Li, H., Jokelainen, P., Laaksonen, S. 2023. A serological screening for potential viral pathogens among semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Finland. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. 65. Article 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-023-00671-4.
A screening for virus infections among wild Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Iceland, 2017-2019 Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Tryland, M., Romano, J., Nymo, I., Mørk, T., Þórarinsdóttir, R., Breines, E., Li, H., Cunha, C.W., Thórisson, S. 2023. A screening for virus infections among wild Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Iceland, 2017-2019. Viruses. 15(2). Article 317. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020317.
A vaccine targeting ovine herpesvirus 2 glycoprotein B protects against sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cunha, C.W., Baker, K.N., O'Toole, D., Cole, E., Shringi, S., Dewals, B.G., Vanderplasschen, A., Li, H. 2022. A vaccine targeting ovine herpesvirus 2 glycoprotein B protects against sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever. Vaccines. 10(12). Article 2156. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122156.
Ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 infection associated with chronic interstitial pneumonia in a sheep Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Headley, S.A., Dall Agnol, A.M., Navolar, F.M., Frucchi, A.P., de Matos, A.M., Pereira, P.F., Xavier, A.A., Santos, V.H., Silva, L.E., Depes, V.C., Alfieri, A.F., Cunha, C.W., Alfieri, A.A. 2021. Ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 infection associated with chronic interstitial pneumonia in a sheep. Microbial Pathogenesis. 161. Article 105220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105220.
A screening for virus infections in eight herds of semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Norway, 2013–2018 Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Tryland, M., Sánchez Romano, J., Nymo, I.H., Breines, E.M., Ancin Murguzur, F.J., Kjenstad, O.C., Li, H., Cunha, C.W. 2021. A screening for virus infections in eight herds of semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Norway, 2013–2018. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 8. Article 707787. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.707787.
The participation of a malignant catarrhal fever virus and Mycoplasma bovis in the development of single and mixed infections in beef and dairy cattle with bovine respiratory disease Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Oliveira, T.E., Scuisato, G.S., Pelaquim, I.F., Cunha, C.W., Cunha, L.S., Flores, E.F., Pretto-Giordano, L.G., Lisboa, J.A., Alfieri, A.A., Saut, J.P., Cunha, P.H., Headley, S.A. 2021. The participation of a malignant catarrhal fever virus and Mycoplasma bovis in the development of single and mixed infections in beef and dairy cattle with bovine respiratory disease. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 8. Article 691448. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.691448.
OvHV-2 glycoprotein B delivered by a recombinant BoHV-4 is immunogenic and induces partial protection against sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever in a rabbit model Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Shringi, S., O'Toole, D., Cole, E., Baker, K.N., White, S.N., Donofrio, G., Li, H., Cunha, C.W. 2021. OvHV-2 glycoprotein B delivered by a recombinant BoHV-4 is immunogenic and induces partial protection against sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever in a rabbit model. Vaccines. 9(2). Article 90. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9020090.
Diphtheric aspergillosis tracheitis with gastrointestinal dissemination secondary to viral infections in a dairy calf Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Headley, S.A., Muller, M.C., de Oliveira, T.E.S., Barros Gil Duarte, C.A., Valente Pereira, P.F., Vieira, M.V., Cunha, C.W., Flores, E.F., Lisboa, J.A.N., Pretto-Giordano, L.G. 2020. Diphtheric aspergillosis tracheitis with gastrointestinal dissemination secondary to viral infections in a dairy calf. Microbial Pathogenesis. 149. Article 104497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104497.
A review of the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of malignant catarrhal fever in Brazil Reprint Icon - (Review Article)
Headley, S.A., de Oliveira, T.E.S., Cunha, C.W. 2020. A review of the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of malignant catarrhal fever in Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology. 51:1405-1432. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42770-020-00273-6.
Ibex-associated malignant catarrhal fever in duikers (Cephalophus spp) Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Carvallo, F.R., Uzal, F.A., Moore, J.D., Jackson, K., Nyaoke, A.C., Naples, L., Davis-Powell, J., Stadler, C.K., Boren, B.A., Cunha, C.W., Li, H., Pesavento, P.A. 2020. Ibex-associated malignant catarrhal fever in duikers (Cephalophus spp). Veterinary Pathology. 57(4):577-581. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300985820918313.
Immunohistochemical detection of intralesional antigens of Ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 in cattle with sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Headley, S.A., Oliveria, T.E.S., Li, H., Lisbôa, J.A.N., Queiroz, G.R., Fritzen, J.T.T., Flores, E.F., Alfieri, A.A., Cunha, C.W. 2019. Immunohistochemical detection of intralesional antigens of Ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 in cattle with sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever. Journal of Comparative Pathology. 174:86-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpa.2019.11.002.
Domestic sheep and bighorn sheep carry distinct gammaherpesviruses belonging to the genus Macavirus Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cunha, C.W., Slater, O.M., Macbeth, B., Duignan, P.J., Warren, A., Highland, M.A., Li, H. 2019. Domestic sheep and bighorn sheep carry distinct gammaherpesviruses belonging to the genus Macavirus. Virus Research. 272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197729.
A rabbit model for sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever research: from virus infection to pathogenesis studies and vaccine development Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cunha, C.W., O'Toole, D., Taus, N.S., Shringi, S., Knowles, D.P., Li, H. 2019. A rabbit model for sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever research: from virus infection to pathogenesis studies and vaccine development. Current Clinical Microbiology Reports. 6:148-155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40588-019-00126-3.
In situ hybridization for localization of ovine herpesvirus 2, the agent of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever, in formalin-fixed tissues Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Pesavento, P., Cunha, C.W., Li, H., Jackson, K., O'Toole, D. 2018. In situ hybridization for localization of ovine herpesvirus 2, the agent of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever, in formalin-fixed tissues. Veterinary Pathology. 56(1):78-86. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300985818798085.
Systemic necrotizing vasculitis in sheep is associated with ovine herpesvirus 2 Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Pesavento, P., Dange, R., Estrada, M., Dasjerdi, A., Pérez, V., Laroca, A., Silván, J., Diab, S., Jackson, K., Phillips, I., Li, H., Cunha, C.W., Wessels, M. 2018. Systemic necrotizing vasculitis in sheep is associated with ovine herpesvirus 2. Veterinary Pathology. 56:(1)87-92. https://doi.org/10.1177/0300985818795166.
Evaluation of glycoprotein Ov8 as a potential antigen for an OvHV-2-specific diagnostic assay Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Alhajri, S.M., Cunha, C.W., Knowles, D.P., Li, H., Taus, N.S. 2018. Evaluation of glycoprotein Ov8 as a potential antigen for an OvHV-2-specific diagnostic assay. PLoS One. 13(7):30200130. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0200130.
Moose (alces alces) mortality associated with caprine herpesvirus 2 (CPHV-2) in a zoological collection Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Seeley, K., Junge, R., Jennings, R., Cunha, C.W., Li, H. 2018. Moose (alces alces) mortality associated with caprine herpesvirus 2 (CPHV-2) in a zoological collection. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 49(3):774-778. https://doi.org/10.1638/2016-0207.1.
High copy number of ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 DNA associated with malignant catarrhal fever-like syndrome in a lamb Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Phillips, I.L., Cunha, C.W., Galbraith, D., Highland, M.A., Bildfell, R.J., Li, H. 2018. High copy number of ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 DNA associated with malignant catarrhal fever-like syndrome in a lamb. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. https://doi.org/10.1177/1040638718766976.
Ovine herpesvirus 2 glycoproteins B, H, and L are sufficient for, and viral glycoprotein Ov8 can enhance, cell-cell membrane fusion - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Alhajri, S.M., Cunha, C.W., Nicola, A.V., Aguilar, H.C., Li, H., Taus, N.S. 2017. Ovine herpesvirus 2 glycoproteins B, H, and L are sufficient for, and viral glycoprotein Ov8 can enhance, cell-cell membrane fusion. Journal of Virology. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02454-16.
Alcelaphine gammaherpesvirus 1-induced malignant catarrhal fever in a Watusi (bos taurus africanus) steer in a North American game park Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bildfell, R.J., Li, H., Alcantar, B., Cunha, C.W., Bradway, D.S., Thomas, K.S. 2017. Alcelaphine gammaherpesvirus 1-induced malignant catarrhal fever in a Watusi (bos taurus africanus) steer in a North American game park. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. https://doi.org/10.1177?1040638717708392.
Sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever-like skin disease in a free-ranging bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), Alberta, Canada - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Slater, O.M., Kennedy-Peters, J., Lejeune, M., Gummer, D., Macbeth, B., Warren, A., Joseph, T., Li, H., Cunha, C.W., Duignan, P.J. 2016. Sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever-like skin disease in a free-ranging bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), Alberta, Canada. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 53(1):153-158.
Replacement of glycoprotein B in alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 by its ovine herpesvirus 2 homolog: Implications in vaccine development for sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cunha, C.W., Taus, N.S., Dewals, B.G., Vanderplasschen, A., Knowles, D.P., Li, H. 2016. Replacement of glycoprotein B in alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 by its ovine herpesvirus 2 homolog: Implications in vaccine development for sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever. mSphere. doi:10.1128/mSphere.00108-16.
Fibroblasts express OvHV-2 capsid protein in vasculitis lesions of American bison (Bison bison) with experimental sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Nelson, D.D., Taus, N.S., Schneider, D.A., Cunha, C.W., Davis, W.C., Brown, W.C., Li, H., O'Toole, D., Oaks, L.J. 2013. Fibroblasts express OvHV-2 capsid protein in vasculitis lesions of American bison (Bison bison) with experimental sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever. Veterinary Microbiology. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.07.021.
Are rabbits a suitable model to study sheep-associated malignant catarrhal in susceptible hosts? - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cunha, C.W., O'Toole, D., Taus, N.S., Knowles Jr, D.P., Li, H. 2013. Are rabbits a suitable model to study sheep-associated malignant catarrhal in susceptible hosts? Veterinary Microbiology. 163(3-4):358-363.
Development of an in vivo system to measure antibody-blocking of ovine herpesvirus 2 entry - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, H., Cunha, C.W., O'Toole, D., Nicola, A.V., Knowles Jr, D.P., Taus, N.S. 2013. Development of an in vivo system to measure antibody-blocking of ovine herpesvirus 2 entry. Journal of Virological Methods. 188(1-2):104-107.
Goats are a potential reservoir for the herpesvirus (MCFV-WTD),causing malignant catarrhal fever in deer - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, H., Cunha, C.W., Abbitt, B., Demaar, T.W., Lenz, S., Hayes, J.R., Taus, N.S. 2013. Goats are a potential reservoir for the herpesvirus (MCFV-WTD),causing malignant catarrhal fever in deer. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 44(2):484-486.
Ovine herpesvirus 2 infection in american bison: virus and host dynamics in the development of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cunha, C.W., Gailbreath, K.L., O'Toole, D., Knowles Jr, D.P., Schneider, D.A., White, S.N., Taus, N.S., Davis, C.J., Davis, W.C., Li, H. 2012. Ovine herpesvirus 2 infection in american bison: virus and host dynamics in the development of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever. Veterinary Microbiology. 159:307-319.
Experimental induction of malignant catarrhal fever in pigs with ovine herpesvirus 2 by intranasal nebulization - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, H., Brooking, A., Cunha, C.W., Highland, M.A., O'Toole, D., Knowles Jr, D.P., Taus, N.S. 2012. Experimental induction of malignant catarrhal fever in pigs with ovine herpesvirus 2 by intranasal nebulization. Veterinary Microbiology. 159(3-4):485-489. doi:10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.04.016.
Malignant catarrhal fever: understanding molecular diagnostics in context of epidemiology - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, H., Cunha, C.W., Taus, N.S. 2011. Malignant catarrhal fever: understanding molecular diagnostics in context of epidemiology. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 10:6881-6893.
Characterization of ovine herpesvirus 2-induced malignant catarrhal fever in rabbits - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, H., Cunha, C.W., Gailbreath, K.L., O'Toole, D., White, S.N., Vanderplasschen, A., Dewals, B., Knowles Jr, D.P., Taus, N.S. 2011. Characterization of ovine herpesvirus 2-induced malignant catarrhal fever in rabbits. Veterinary Microbiology. 150(3-4):270-7.
Development of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR for Detection and Differentiation of Malignant Catarrhal Fever Viruses in Clinical Samples - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cunha, C.W., Otto, L., Taus, N.S., Knowles Jr, D.P., Li, H. 2009. Development of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR for Detection and Differentiation of Malignant Catarrhal Fever Viruses in Clinical Samples. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 47(8):2586-2589.
Experimental infection of rabbits with ovine herpesvirus 2 from sheep nasal secretions - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Gailbreath, K.L., Taus, N.S., Cunha, C.W., Knowles Jr, D.P., Li, H. 2008. Experimental infection of rabbits with ovine herpesvirus 2 from sheep nasal secretions. Veterinary Microbiology. 132:65-73.
Ovine herpesvirus 2 replicates initially in the lung of experimentally infected sheep - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Li, H., Cunha, C.W., Davies, C.J., Gailbreath, K.L., Knowles Jr, D.P., Oaks, J.L., Taus, N.S. 2008. Ovine herpesvirus 2 replicates initially in the lung of experimentally infected sheep. Journal of General Virology. 89(7):1699-1708.
Detection of ovine herpesvirus 2 major capsid gene transcripts as an indicator of virus replication in shedding sheep and clinically affected animals - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cunha, C.W., Traul, D., Taus, N.S., Oaks, L., O'Toole, D., Davitt, C.M., Li, H. 2008. Detection of ovine herpesvirus 2 major capsid gene transcripts as an indicator of virus replication in shedding sheep and clinically affected animals. Virus Research. 132(1-2):69-75.