Work

Concurrent Circulation of Canine Distemper Virus (South America-4 Lineage) at the Wild–Domestic Canid Interface in Aburrá Valley, Colombia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Canine distemper virus (CDV) is the causative agent of a widespread infectious disease affecting both domestic and wild carnivores. Owing to its ability to cross species barriers and its high fatality rate in unvaccinated animals, CDV poses a significant conservation threat to endangered wildlife worldwide. To date, two distinct CDV lineages have been reported in Colombia, with cases documented separately in domestic dogs and wild peri-urban carnivores. This study aimed to detect and characterize the concurrent circulation of CDV in naturally infected domestic dogs and crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) from the same area in Colombia. Through molecular and phylogenetic analyses, we identified the South America/North America-4 lineage infecting both populations simultaneously. Our findings revealed high genetic variability, multiple virus reintroductions, and a close relationship with CDV strains previously detected in the United States. These results confirm the simultaneous circulation of CDV in the domestic and wildlife interface and underscore the urgent need for an integrated approach to CDV prevention and control involving both domestic and wildlife health interventions.

Source: Viruses

DOI: 10.3390/v17050649

Authors: Carolina Rios-Usuga, Melissa C. Ortiz-Pineda, Sergio Daniel Aguirre-Catolico, Víctor H. Quiroz, Julian Ruiz-Saenz

Institution: Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

Language: English

Topic: Virology and Viral Diseases

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137