Distemper outbreak and its effect on African wild dog conservation
Distemper outbreak and its effect on African wild dog conservation
van de Bildt, M.W.G.; Kuiken, T.; Visee, A.M.; Lema, S.; Fitzjohn, T.R.; Osterhaus, A.D.M.E.
Emerging Infectious Diseases 8(2): 211-213
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1080-6040
PMID: 11897078
DOI: 10.3201/eid0802.010314
In December 2000, an infectious disease spread through a captive breeding group of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Tanzania, killing 49 of 52 animals within 2 months. The causative agent was identified as Canine distemper virus (CDV) by means of histologic examination, virus isolation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, and nucleotide sequencing. This report emphasizes the importance of adequate protection against infectious diseases for the successful outcome of captive breeding programs of endangered species.