Canine distemper virus infection in binturongs (Arctictis binturong)

Two binturongs (Arctictis binturong) kept in outdoor exhibits at Everland Zoological Gardens in Korea died within 10 days of the onset of clinical signs that included depression, dyspnoea, diarrhoea and convulsions. On necropsy, the significant gross findings were limited to the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Proteus vulgaris was isolated from the lung of one animal. Histopathologically, diffuse severe bronchointerstitial pneumonia with secondary bacterial infection was noted in the lungs. Intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies were seen in the lining epithelium of the bronchi, bronchioles, small and large intestines, renal pelvis and urinary bladder. Canine distemper virus (CDV)-specific antigens were demonstrated in frozen sections of the lungs by the direct immunofluorescence technique. This is believed to be the first confirmed report of CDV infection in binturongs.