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A canine distemper outbreak in Alaska: diagnosis and strain characterization using sequence analysis
Roger K Maes1, Annabel G Wise, Scott D Fitzgerald
1Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Summary
A canine distemper virus (CDV) outbreak in Alaska was confirmed using molecular methods. The virus strain identified was closely related to a virulent Siberian CDV strain.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a severe, often fatal, disease in dogs.
- Modified-live vaccines are effective but outbreaks can still occur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm CDV as the cause of a large-scale dog mortality event in Alaska.
- To molecularly characterize the CDV strain involved in the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for viral antigen detection.
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for viral RNA detection.
- DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the viral phosphoprotein (P) gene.
Main Results:
- IHC confirmed CDV in spleen, lung, and salivary gland tissues.
- RT-PCR detected viral RNA in multiple organs including brain, spleen, liver, lung, and kidney.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed the Alaskan CDV strain is closely related to a virulent Siberian wild-type strain.
Conclusions:
- Molecular techniques confirmed CDV as the cause of the Alaskan outbreak.
- The identified CDV strain shares genetic similarities with virulent wild-type strains, highlighting potential risks.
- Further surveillance and vaccination strategies are crucial for disease control.