Comparison of two zoonotic viruses from the order Bunyavirales.

A comparison of two geographicallly distinct viruses in the order Bunyavirales that are zoonotic and known to cause congenital abnormalities in ruminant livestock was performed. One of these viruses, Cache Valley fever virus, is found in the Americas and is primarily associated with disease in sheep. The other, Rift Valley fever virus, is found in Sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with disease in camels, cattle, goats and sheep. Neither virus has been associated with teratogenicity in humans to date. These two viruses are briefly reviewed and potential for genetic changes especially if introduced into new ecology that could affect pathogenicity are discussed.