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[Canine distemper virus--an agent looking for new hosts]
W Baumgärtner1, S Alldinger, A Beineke
1Institut für Pathologie, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Hannover.
DTW. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift
|May 22, 2003
Summary
Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes distemper in carnivores, but its host range is expanding to new species. Recent marine mammal epidemics highlight the need to identify unknown morbillivirus sources and transmission routes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Context:
- Canine distemper virus (CDV), a Morbillivirus, primarily affects carnivores.
- CDV's host spectrum has expanded, causing distemper-like diseases in diverse species, including large felids and marine mammals.
- Epidemics in pinnipeds have yielded distinct viruses like phocine distemper virus 1 (PDV-1) and a CDV strain (PDV-2).
Purpose:
- To investigate the origins and spread of morbillivirus epidemics in marine mammals.
- To analyze retrospective data on marine mammal mortalities for unrecognized morbillivirus outbreaks.
- To determine the source of infection in seal epidemics where the causative agent remains unknown.
Summary:
- Canine distemper virus (CDV) and related morbilliviruses are responsible for significant wildlife epidemics.
- Mass mortalities in seals and large felids have been linked to terrestrial carnivores, but the source of other marine mammal epidemics is unclear.
- Further research is needed to identify the morbillivirus responsible for certain marine mammal outbreaks and understand transmission dynamics.
Impact:
- Highlights the evolving host range of CDV and the potential for cross-species viral transmission.
- Underscores the importance of identifying novel morbilliviruses and their reservoirs in wildlife populations.
- Informs conservation strategies for vulnerable marine mammal populations affected by viral diseases.