Reports from Maharashtra and Karnataka have revealed recent instances of leopards venturing into human settlements, leading to their eventual capture. The underlying cause of these occurrences has been attributed to the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), which reduces the big cats' innate fear of humans. The primary means of contracting CDV is through predation of dogs infected with the virus.
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and other carnivores such as foxes, wolves, raccoons, and leopards. It is caused by a Morbillivirus, which is related to the virus that causes measles in humans.
CDV is transmitted through contact with infected animals or their secretions, including respiratory and ocular discharge, urine, and feces. It can also be spread through contaminated objects, such as food and water bowls, bedding, and grooming equipment.
The virus primarily targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of infected dogs, causing symptoms such as fever, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological signs like seizures, twitching, and paralysis. In severe cases, CDV can be fatal.
CDV can be prevented through vaccination. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6-8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs should receive a booster shot every 1-3 years, depending on their risk of exposure.
Treatment of CDV involves supportive care, such as fluids, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants, to manage the symptoms and prevent secondary infections. However, there is no specific antiviral treatment for CDV, and recovery depends on the severity of the disease and the dog's immune response.
In addition to vaccination, the best way to prevent CDV is to avoid exposure to infected animals and their environments. This includes keeping your dog on a leash, avoiding contact with wildlife, and disinfecting your dog's living areas and belongings regularly.
Reports from Maharashtra and Karnataka have revealed recent instances of leopards venturing into human settlements, leading to their eventual capture. The underlying cause of these occurrences has been attributed to the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), which reduces the big cats' innate fear of humans. The primary means of contracting CDV is through predation of dogs infected with the virus.
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and other carnivores such as foxes, wolves, raccoons, and leopards. It is caused by a Morbillivirus, which is related to the virus that causes measles in humans.
CDV is transmitted through contact with infected animals or their secretions, including respiratory and ocular discharge, urine, and feces. It can also be spread through contaminated objects, such as food and water bowls, bedding, and grooming equipment.
The virus primarily targets the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of infected dogs, causing symptoms such as fever, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological signs like seizures, twitching, and paralysis. In severe cases, CDV can be fatal.
CDV can be prevented through vaccination. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6-8 weeks of age, with booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs should receive a booster shot every 1-3 years, depending on their risk of exposure.
Treatment of CDV involves supportive care, such as fluids, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants, to manage the symptoms and prevent secondary infections. However, there is no specific antiviral treatment for CDV, and recovery depends on the severity of the disease and the dog's immune response.
In addition to vaccination, the best way to prevent CDV is to avoid exposure to infected animals and their environments. This includes keeping your dog on a leash, avoiding contact with wildlife, and disinfecting your dog's living areas and belongings regularly.
7-Oct-2018: Gujarat started vaccinating lions in Gir sanctuary against canine distemper virus (CDV).
The Gujarat Forest Department started vaccinating lions in the Gir sanctuary to protect them from a deadly virus blamed for the death of some of the big cats.
Twenty-three lions have died in the Gir sanctuary in less than a month. Most of them succumbed to the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and protozoan infection.
The lions, an endangered species, are being vaccinated under intensive veterinary care and as per standard protocol.
CDV is considered a dangerous virus and is blamed for wiping out 30 per cent of lions in East African forests. The Gir sanctuary falls under the Junagadh district Forest Department’s jurisdiction.
Following the death of big cats, the Forest Department had captured 36 lions and shifted them to Jashadhar and Jamwala rescue centres in the Gir forest.
After the CDV spread was confirmed in Asiatic lions, the State government urgently imported 300 shots of the vaccine from the US.
CDV is mainly found in wild dogs, jackals and wolves. The disease can be contracted by lions if they eat any animal infected by it. It is a highly contagious virus that attacks the immune system and other vital organs. In most cases, the infection is fatal.
According to the last census conducted in 2015, the number of lions in the Gir sanctuary stood at 523.
