CANINE DISTEMBER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Stray dogs in villages within two kilometre radius of the Corbett Tiger Reserve's boundaries in Uttarakhand will be vaccinated against the canine distemper virus so that the disease does not infect tigers and elephants of the reserve.

Canine Distember

• About: It is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV).
• Affected Systems: The virus primarily attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs.
• At-Risk Populations: All dogs are at risk, particularly puppies younger than four months and unvaccinated dogs.
• Cross-Species Infection: CDV can infect ferrets and a variety of other mammals, particularly carnivores, including wild canines, raccoons, and skunks. 

o Cats can also become infected but are unlikely to show symptoms.

• Transmission: The virus spreads through direct contact or airborne exposure.
• Symptoms: The virus weakens the immune system and spreads throughout the body, making the dog vulnerable to secondary infections.

o Common Symptoms: Key symptoms include coughing, fever, eye/nasal discharge, disorientation, tremors, twitches, and seizures.

• Treatment and Prevention:
• No Cure: There is currently no cure for canine distemper, and no antiviral drugs are approved for its treatment.
• Vaccination: It is the most effective way to prevent canine distemper.