Phocine distemper virus: current knowledge and future directions.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Marine Mammal Health
• Wildlife Epidemiology

Background:

• Phocine distemper virus (PDV) first emerged in European seals in 1988, causing significant mortality.
• Endemic PDV infection in the western North Atlantic predates the European epidemic, with recurring localized events.
• PDV has been detected in the North Pacific/Western Arctic, raising concerns for naive pinniped populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on PDV epidemiology, diagnostics, pathogenesis, and immune response.
• To discuss advancements in vaccine development and phylogenetic analysis of PDV.
• To highlight the potential threat of PDV to vulnerable seal populations in the Pacific.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on PDV over the past 20 years.
• Analysis of epidemiological data from North Atlantic and Arctic pinniped populations.
• Examination of serological and molecular evidence of PDV-like viruses in the North Pacific.

Main Results:

• PDV exhibits minor sequence variation between outbreaks but remains a distinct Morbillivirus species.
• Evidence suggests PDV may be endemic in some North Atlantic seal populations.
• PDV-like viruses are present in the North Pacific, with potential risks to local marine mammals.

Conclusions:

• Continued surveillance and research are crucial for understanding and managing PDV.
• Developing effective diagnostics and vaccines is essential for mitigating future PDV outbreaks.
• The potential spread of PDV to naive Pacific seal populations warrants further investigation and conservation efforts.