Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper Latest News

A tigress and her four cubs died in Kanha Tiger Reserve recently, prompting concerns over a Canine Distemper Virus outbreak.

About Canine Distemper

• It is a contagious and serious disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV).
• The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs and has a very high mortality rate.
• All dogs are at risk of canine distemper. Those at particular risk include puppies younger than four months and dogs that have not been vaccinated against CDV.
• CDV is a worldwide multi-host pathogen and is increasingly found in wildlife species, including carnivores, large felids, marine mammals, and non-human primates. 

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Canine Distemper Transmission

• It is spread through direct contact or airborne exposure.
• The virus does not last long in the environment and can be destroyed by most disinfectants. 
• However, the distemper-infected dogs can shed the virus for up to several months.
• Once a dog is infected, the virus quickly spreads throughout the entire body and significantly weakens the immune system, leaving them susceptible to secondary infections.

Canine Distemper Symptoms

• Symptoms of distemper vary a great deal, depending which organs are affected, symptoms are usually:
  • cough
  • fever
  • inappetence
  • lethargy
  • runny eyes and nose
  • diarrhoea.
• This can then progress to more severe symptoms, including:
  • thickened nose and foot pads
  • tremors
  • paralysis
  • seizures.

Canine Distemper Treatment

• There is no cure, and no antiviral drugs have been approved to combat the infection. 
• The best way to prevent canine distemper is through vaccination.

Source: TH