Published Date: 2000-06-06 23:50:00
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Canine distemper, wild animals - USA (Wyoming)
Archive Number: 20000606.0909

CANINE DISTEMPER, WILD ANIMALS - USA (WYOMING)
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A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
Date: 6 Jun 2000
From: Marjorie P. Pollack <pollackmp@mindspring.com> and M. Cosgriff
<mcosgriff@hotmail.com>
Source: The Tribune and Associated press 5 June 2000 [edited]

Canine distemper found in wild animals
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LARAMIE, Wyo. - Four cases of canine distemper have been found in wild
animals in Albany County in the last month, and dog owners are being urged
to vaccinate their dogs.
Two skunks and 2 raccoons infected with distemper have been brought to the
State Veterinary Lab since May 3, said University of Wyoming associate
professor and lab veterinarian Hana Van Campen.
While no cure exists, a dog can be treated for dehydration, infections and
other symptoms caused by the disease. Distemper produces signs similar to
rabies, lab research associate Jackie Cavender said.
"Rabies will cause aggressiveness," Cavender said. "Canine distemper
generally doesn't. ...Other than that they're very similar: frothing at the
mouth and the nose, watering eyes."
Ferrets, coyotes and foxes can also carry the disease, which is not
dangerous to humans.
The best prevention, Cavender said, is a yearly vaccination. "Canine
distemper vaccine is one of the very best vaccines made," Cavender said.
"Most vaccines work at a rate of approximately 80 percent."
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ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[Canine distemper is a highly contagious, systemic, viral disease, usually
of dogs and is seen generally world-wide. It is characterized by a diphasic
fever, gastrointestinal and respiratory catarrh, and frequently pneumonic
and neurologic complications. The disease occurs in Canidae (dogs, foxes,
wolves), Mustelidae (ferret, mink skunk) and Procyonidae (raccoon,
coatimundi) and some Viverridae (binturong).
The enveloped virus (Paramyxovirus) is sensitive to lipid solvents and most
disinfectants and is relatively unstable outside the host. The main route
of infection is via aerosol droplet secretions from infected animals. Some
infected dogs may shed virus for several months.
Clinical signs include a fever, a serous nasal discharge, mucopurulent
ocular discharge, and anorexia. Gastrointestinal and respiratory signs may
follow and are usually complicated by secondary bacterial infections.
Neurological complications are often present.
Treatment is directed at limiting the secondary bacterial invasion and
supported care while controlling nervous manifestations.
Many varieties of attenuated distemper vaccine are available and should be
administered by a veterinarian. Annual revaccination is suggested because
of the breaks in neurologic distemper that can occur in stressed diseased
or immunosuppressed dogs. - Mod. TG]
...........................tg/ds
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