Bovine herpesvirus-5 infection in a rabbit experimental model: Immunohistochemical study of the cellular response in the CNS

► Neuropathogenesis of bovine herpesvirus type 5 infection was tested in rabbits. ► The virus was detected throughout the brains by both PCR and immunohistochemistry. ► T lymphocytes predominated in the brains of animals that showed neurological signs. ► Matrix metalloproteinase 9 were detected in association with T lymphocytes. ► Viral spread seems to be correlated with T lymphocytes and MMP-9.