Canine Distemper in Black-Footed Ferrets (Mustela Nigripes) From Wyoming

ABSTRACT:Severe population declines have resulted from the spillover of canine distemper virus (CDV) into susceptible wildlife, with both domestic and wild canids being involved in the maintenance and transmission of the virus. This study (March 2001 to October 2003 collated case data, serologic, pathologic, and molecular data to describe the spillover of CDV from domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) to black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) during an epidemic on the Namibian coast. Antibody prevalence in jackals peaked at 74.1%, and the clinical signs and histopathologic observations closely resembled those observed in domestic dog cases. Viral RNA was isolated from the brain of a domestic dog from the outbreak area. Sequence data from the phosphoprotein (P) gene and the hemagglutinin (H) genes were used for phylogenetic analyses. The P gene sequence from the domestic dog shared 98% identity with the sequence data available for other CDV isolates of African carnivores. For the H gene, the two sequences available from the outbreak that decimated the lion population in Tanzania in 1994 were the closest match with the Namibian sample, being 94% identical across 1,122 base pairs (bp). Phylogenetic analyses based on this region clustered the Namibian sample with the CDV that is within the morbilliviruses. This is the first description of an epidemic involving black-backed jackals in Namibia, demonstrating that this species has the capacity for rapid and large-scale dissemination of CDV. This work highlights the threat posed to endangered wildlife in Namibia by the spillover of CDV from domestic dog populations. Very few sequence data are currently available for CDV isolates from African carnivores, and this work provides the first sequence data from a Namibian CDV isolate.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiology, Pathology, and Genetic Analysis of a Canine Distemper Epidemic in Namibia

Gowtage-Sequeira

Banyard

Barrett

et al. 2009

“…The decline of the fox population is typical of CDV epidemics in susceptible wildlife populations (Williams, 2001). Canine distemper has been associated with declines of an African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) population (Alexander et al, 1996), widespread losses of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes; Williams et al, 1988), and the disappearance of one third of the Serengeti lions (Panthera leo) in 1994 (Roelke-Parker et al, 1996).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Toxoplasmosis has not been reported to cause catastrophic losses in canids, but could be a copathogen contributing to mortalities. Toxoplasma zoites incite widespread damage when disseminated throughout the body, and can result in higher morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed animals such as those infected with CDV or CPV (Greene and Appel, 1998;Williams, 2001). Finding both CDV and Toxoplasma spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Before 1999, sightings of dead or dying foxes reported to IWS or SCIC were rare. The absence of juveniles (age class 0) among trapped foxes in 1999-2000 is typical of canine distemper, where young animals are most susceptible (Williams, 2001). The increased prevalence of CDV-reactive antibodies in foxes (and with its detection in feral cats) in 1999-2000 provides strong evidence that CDV (or a closely related morbillivirus) was circulating at the time of the decline.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Suspected Canine Distemper Epidemic as the Cause of a Catastrophic Decline in Santa Catalina Island Foxes (Urocyon Littoralis Catalinae)

Timm¹,

Munson

Summers

et al. 2009

ABSTRACT:The island fox (Urocyon littoralis catalinae) population on Santa Catalina Island, California, USA declined precipitously in 1999 with an approximate 95% reduction on their eastern range, an area representing 87% of the island. During this investigation, between October 1999 and April 2000, evidence of live foxes dramatically decreased. The only carcass recovered during the decline succumbed to a co-infection of canine distemper virus (CDV) and toxoplasmosis. Sequence analysis of the viral P gene, derived by polymerase chain reaction, indicated that the virus was closely related to CDV from a mainland USA raccoon (Procyon lotor). Nine of 10 foxes trapped in 1999-2000, on the eastern portion of the island after the decline, had serologic evidence of exposure to CDV, whereas only four of 19 foxes trapped in this region in 1998 had antibodies reactive against CDV. The confirmation of CDV in one deceased fox, evidence of exposure to CDV in east-end foxes in 1999-2000 compared to 1998, and documentation of raccoon introductions to the island, implicates canine distemper as the cause of the population decline.

“…Mustelidae seem to be most susceptible to CDV (Deem et al, 2000), whereas Canidae, and perhaps Viverridae, are less susceptive (Machida et al, 1993;Deem et al, 2000). For example, an outbreak of CDV in the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) population in Wyoming, USA, occurred in 1985, where most individuals in the colony died; the population became extinct shortly thereafter (Williams et al, 1988).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Canine Distemper Virus in Wild Ferret-Badgers of Taiwan

Chen

Pei

Liao

et al. 2008

ABSTRACT:Canine distemper is an acute or subacute, highly contagious, febrile disease that is caused by canine distemper virus (CDV). Two CDV-infected wild Taiwan ferret-badgers (Melogale moschata subauantiaca) were found in Kaohsiung County, southern Taiwan, in 2005. Each case was confirmed by detecting CDV RNA in lung and brain tissues. A suspected third case was detected based on clinical signs and histology. These cases are the first record of wildlife infected by CDV in Taiwan. It is believed that domestic dogs or coexisting wild carnivores infected with the virus were the most likely source, and a serologic survey is needed to fully understand the host range of this virus in Taiwan. In addition, further genetic sequencing is needed to determine the source of these CDV cases.