Canine Distemper: Current and Emerging Perspectives

Canine distemper virus can cause infections in domestic canines and in many wild animals belonging to families Canidae, Felidae, Hyaenidae, Procyonidae, Ailuridae, Ursidae, Mustelidae, Viverridae and some non-human primates. Among six proteins encoded by the genome of the virus, genetic drift has been associated with the hemagglutinin protein. Based on phylogenetic analysis of different strains, the virus is categorized into six groups. RT-PCR, ELISA, indirect fluorescent antibody test, serum neutralization test and immunohistochemistry can be used for diagnosing canine distemper. Recombinant canarypox vectored vaccine is currently used for the prevention of the disease in domesticated canines, but now researchers are focusing on the development of new vaccines with new strains of the virus from different genetic groups.