General information

Canine distemper virus (CDV) belongs to the genus Morbillivirus (measles-distemper-rinderpest group). All animals of the families Canidae (such as dog, fox, wolf), Procyonidae (like raccoon and panda) and Mustelidae (such as ferret, badger, marten), tiger and lion can get infected. Distemper is enzootic worldwide. Transmission takes place orally or airborne via secretions and excretions of infected dogs or clinically healthy carriers. Intrauterine infections are also possible. Distemper is a febrile general disease with an acute to subacute course. A respiratory, an intestinal, a central nervous and a cutaneous form of the disease can be distinguished.