Fatal canine distemper virus infection of giant pandas in China

Abstract

We report an outbreak of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection among endangered giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Five of six CDV infected giant pandas died. The surviving giant panda was previously vaccinated against CDV. Genomic sequencing of CDV isolated from one of the infected pandas (giant panda/SX/2014) suggests it belongs to the Asia-1 cluster. The hemagglutinin protein of the isolated virus and virus sequenced from lung samples originating from deceased giant pandas all possessed the substitutions V26M, T213A, K281R, S300N, P340Q, and Y549H. The presence of the Y549H substitution is notable as it is found at the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) receptor-binding site and has been implicated in the emergence of highly pathogenic CDV and host switching. These findings demonstrate that giant pandas are susceptible to CDV and suggest that surveillance and vaccination among all captive giant pandas are warranted to support conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Ecology and Demography of Free-Roaming Domestic Dogs in Rural Villages near Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

“…In Africa, these viruses threaten wildlife such as lions ( Panthera leo) [1–3], spotted hyenas ( Crocuta crocuta) [2,4], and African wild dogs ( Lycaon pictus ) [5–7]. Elsewhere they threaten black-footed ferrets ( Mustela nigripes) [8,9], giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) [10], Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) both in the wild [11] and in captivity [12], chilla foxes ( Lycalopex griseus ) [13], Indian foxes ( Vulpes bengalensis) [14] and others [9,15–18]. Domestic dogs are also the primary source of rabies in people, with bites from rabid dogs causing more than 95% of human rabies cases worldwide [19–21].…”

Impacts of canine distemper virus infection on the giant panda population from the perspective of gut microbiota

“…CDV-positive individuals experience an increased incidence of diarrhea21 in the absence of obvious enteric pathogens and severe enteritis with intestinal hemorrhage of the serosa and necrosis of the intestine (Fig. 5).…”

“…According to the latest Fourth National Giant Panda Survey, the proportion of suitable habitat area is expanding (up 11.8% in the past decade), although 1864 wild giant pandas (up 16.4%) and 375 captive pandas (up 128.66%) live in fragmented habitats and conservation breeding programs in China19. Here, we report on the CDV outbreak in giant pandas that occurred between December 2014 and March 2015 in Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Research Center, China2021. In this outbreak, five giant pandas died due to CDV infection (22.7% mortality).…”

“…In this outbreak, five giant pandas died due to CDV infection (22.7% mortality). In addition, CDV-positive individuals suffer from an increased incidence of diarrhea21 in the absence of obvious enteric pathogens. As the most intriguing herbivorous mammalian species in the family Ursidae , pandas are well known as an evolutionarily distinct bamboo specialist, and yet, this species exhibits a gastrointestinal tract typical of carnivores.…”

Advances in canine distemper virus pathogenesis research: a wildlife perspective

“…Outbreaks were confirmed in critically endangered species such as the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) [45,50]. Concern for the conservation efforts of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in China has also been raised due to several recent reports of CDV-induced mortality in captive populations [51,52]. These outbreaks have highlighted the lack of knowledge on the extent of CDV susceptibility in wildlife species.…”