Subfamily: Gammaherpesvirinae

Genus: Macavirus

Distinguishing features

The predicted amino acid sequences of members form a distinct lineage within the subfamily (Figure 1. Gammaherpesvirinae). 

Virion

See discussion under family description. 

Genome organization and replication

See discussion under family and subfamily description. 

Biology

Members have artiodactyls (even-toed ungulates) as hosts. Several members are responsible for inducing an often fatal, generalised lymphoproliferative disease, known as malignant catarrhal fever (MacLachlan et al., 2016, Russell et al., 2009). 

Species demarcation criteria

See discussion under family description.