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