Abstract
Canine distemper virus can cause infections in domestic canines and in
many wild animals belonging to families Canidae, Felidae, Hyaenidae, Procyonidae,
Ailuridae, Ursidae, Mustelidae, Viverridae and some non-human primates. Among six
proteins encoded by the genome of the virus, genetic drift has been associated with the
hemagglutinin protein. Based on phylogenetic analysis of different strains, the virus is
categorized into six groups. RT-PCR, ELISA, indirect fluorescent antibody test, serum
neutralization test and immunohistochemistry can be used for diagnosing canine
distemper. Recombinant canarypox vectored vaccine is currently used for the
prevention of the disease in domesticated canines, but now researchers are focusing on
the development of new vaccines with new strains of the virus from different genetic
groups.
Keywords: Canine distemper, Morbillivirus, Rockborn like strains, Vaccine.