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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
04:23
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Canine distemper epizootic in Everglades mink
M W Cunningham1, D B Shindle, A B Allison
1Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1105 Southwest Williston Road, Gainesville, Florida 32601, USA. mark.cunningham@myfwc.com
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|November 11, 2009
Summary
Canine distemper virus (CDV) infected three of four wild mink in Florida. Further research is needed to understand the virus
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- The American mink (Neovison vison) is a key species in Florida's Everglades ecosystem.
- Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious pathogen affecting various carnivores.
Observation:
- Four free-ranging mink were sampled in Florida's Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.
- Histopathology revealed lesions and viral inclusions indicative of CDV in three mink.
Findings:
- Virus isolation and RT-PCR confirmed CDV presence in three of the four sampled mink.
- The study detected active CDV infection in the wild mink population.
Implications:
- CDV may have caused a recent decline and subsequent recovery in the local mink population.
- Further investigation is crucial to assess CDV's impact on Everglades mink and other Florida mustelids.
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