Canine distemper and its impact on domestic and wild fauna
Canine distemper virus (CDV) infection is one of the most significant health problems in veterinary medicine due to its high transmissibility, notable genetic diversity, and simultaneous impact on domestic and wild animals. This review compiles recent information on various aspects of CDV, including...
Guardado en:
| Autores principales: | , |
|---|---|
| Formato: | Artículo revista |
| Lenguaje: | Español |
| Publicado: |
Universidad Nacional del Nordeste
2026
|
| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://revistas.unne.edu.ar/index.php/vet/article/view/9102 |
| Aporte de: |
| Sumario: | Canine distemper virus (CDV) infection is one of the most significant health problems in veterinary medicine due to its high transmissibility, notable genetic diversity, and simultaneous impact on domestic and wild animals. This review compiles recent information on various aspects of CDV, including its etiology, transmission, reservoirs, clinical and ecological impact, as well as diagnostic advances, prevention strategies, and emerging therapeutic alternatives. Epidemiological studies indicate that domestic dogs remain the primary source of transmission, particularly when vaccination coverage is insufficient. However, numerous wild species—including canids, felids, mustelids, ursids, and procyonids—act as reservoirs and amplifiers, contributing to the virus's persistence in diverse ecosystems. The genetic variability of CDV, particularly in the H gene, influences its tropism and pathogenicity, facilitating the emergence of lineages with increased neurovirulence or enhanced ability to cross interspecies barriers. Diagnostic tools such as RT-qPCR and genomic sequencing have improved the detection of relevant mutations and strengthened molecular surveillance. Preventive strategies based on attenuated and recombinant vaccines have shown high efficacy in dogs and some wild species, although immune response may vary across hosts. Additionally, new therapeutic approaches, including silver nanoparticles and metabolic inhibitors, offer promising alternatives that could improve survival in affected animals. Overall, current evidence confirms that CDV remains a multispecies threat whose epidemiology depends on the complex interaction between domestic dogs and wildlife. This underscores the need to strengthen molecular surveillance and optimize prevention strategies to mitigate its health and ecological consequences. |
|---|