A review of canine distemper in domestic dogs

Abstract

Canine distemper (CD) represents a highly infectious and frequently lethal viral disorder with multisystemic involvement that impacts domestic dogs as well as a wide range of carnivorous species globally. The causative pathogen, Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), belongs to the genus Morbillivirus under the family Paramyxoviridae and demonstrates remarkable genetic variability, encompassing at least seventeen genotypes identified across different regions of the world. Although effective vaccines are available, CDV continues to persist endemically in numerous areas, largely attributed to insufficient immunization coverage, ongoing viral mutation, and interspecies transmission facilitated by wildlife reservoirs. This review comprehensively summarizes the etiology, epidemiology, transmission routes, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, hematological and clinicopathological findings, as well as therapeutic, vaccination, and preventive strategies for CD. The virus primarily targets epithelial, lymphoid, and nervous tissues, producing severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms. Diagnostic confirmation relies on molecular and serological assays such as RT-PCR and ELISA, which offer high sensitivity for detecting viral RNA or antibodies. Although treatment is mainly supportive, prevention through timely and widespread vaccination remains the cornerstone of control. Furthermore, the persistence of novel viral lineages and spillover events from domestic dogs to wildlife underscore the need for continuous molecular surveillance and global cooperation. Understanding CDV’s pathogenesis, epidemiological dynamics, and economic implications is crucial for developing integrated control strategies to mitigate the impact of canine distemper disease on animal health, biodiversity, and the veterinary public health sector.