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