Canine and Feline Distemper

Marie Rhodes

Description

Diseases that affect both wildlife and domesticated carnivores

Caused by two different viral agents

Both diseases can cause acute illness and death

Affected Families

Family Canine Distemper

Feline Distemper

Canidaewolf, coyote, fox, domestic dog

Yes No

Felidaebobcat, lynx, domestic cat

No Yes

Procyonidaeraccoon

Yes Yes

Mustelidaeferret, mink, weasel, marten, fisher, otter, badger, skunk, wolverine

Yes Yes(Mink and possibly

skunk and otter)

Canine Distemper

Caused by a paramyxovirus

Highly contagious among carnivores

Seen in both domesticated and wild animals

Transmission

Direct contact or possibly contact of contaminated objects

Shed through feces and urine of infected animals

Some evidence shows transplacental transmission

Symptoms and Treatment

Domestic dogs show signs such as coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, nasal and ocular discharge

Wild carnivores may only show abnormal behavior and apparent lack of fear

Only treatment is supportive care

Feline Distemper

Also called feline panleukopenia, cat plague, and cat fever

Acute, highly contagious infectious viral disease

Transmission

Shed in all body secretions and excretions of affected animals

Recovered animals may shed virus for months Fleas and other insects, especially flies, may

play a role in transmission Spread by either inhalation or ingestion

Symptoms and Treatment

High fever is followed by depression, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and a profound leukopenia

No treatment after infection except for supportive care