Canine Distemper Virus in Mesomammalian Predators of Bobwhite-Quail Krista A. Cox and J. Mitchell Lockhart Department of Biology Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia

Canine Distemper - Background Member of genus Morbillivirus Family Paramyxoviridae - single- stranded RNA virus. Member of genus Morbillivirus Family Paramyxoviridae - single- stranded RNA virus. Known since 1760, causes an acute or subacute, febrile disease in domestic and wild animals Known since 1760, causes an acute or subacute, febrile disease in domestic and wild animals EM of viral particles

Canine Distemper - Transmission Via aerosol-droplet Via aerosol-droplet Direct contact Direct contact Possibly contact with contaminated objects Possibly contact with contaminated objects

Canine Distemper - Replication Replicates in macrophages and lymphoid cells (i.e. lymph nodes and tonsils) of upper respiratory tract. Replicates in macrophages and lymphoid cells (i.e. lymph nodes and tonsils) of upper respiratory tract.

Canine Distemper - Distribution Worldwide distribution in wild and domestic canids. Worldwide distribution in wild and domestic canids. Of no concern to public health of humans. Of no concern to public health of humans. Transmission occurs in unvaccinated canids that come in contact with infected wild animals. Transmission occurs in unvaccinated canids that come in contact with infected wild animals. Host spectrum of CDV is vast (carnivores and non- carnivores) but is mostly seen in fur animals. Host spectrum of CDV is vast (carnivores and non- carnivores) but is mostly seen in fur animals. Raccoons, ferrets, foxes, dogs. Raccoons, ferrets, foxes, dogs.

Canine Distemper – Clinical Signs Infection can result in subclinical symptoms, gastrointestinal signs and respiratory signs, Infection can result in subclinical symptoms, gastrointestinal signs and respiratory signs, Frequent central nervous system involvement. Frequent central nervous system involvement. Rabies Rabies

Canine Distemper – Clinical Signs Main signs include nasal discharge and diarrhea – common to other diseases Main signs include nasal discharge and diarrhea – common to other diseases Specific signs include convulsions, incoordination and myoclonus (muscle spasm) – which occur in later stages of the infection Specific signs include convulsions, incoordination and myoclonus (muscle spasm) – which occur in later stages of the infection

Canine Distemper - Association Eradication of CDV is impossible due to wide host range of the virus. Eradication of CDV is impossible due to wide host range of the virus. May be linked to other diseases, such as Paget’s disease and multiple sclerosis May be linked to other diseases, such as Paget’s disease and multiple sclerosis

Canine Distemper – Diagnosis Tentative diagnosis for canids showing nervous system disorders or chronic antibiotic–unresponsive respiratory disease Tentative diagnosis for canids showing nervous system disorders or chronic antibiotic–unresponsive respiratory disease Accurate diagnosis of CDV infection involves serologic and molecular biological techniques. Accurate diagnosis of CDV infection involves serologic and molecular biological techniques.

Canine Distemper in Georgia/Florida United States Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services study to evaluate the effect of mesomammalian predator removal on bobwhite quail reproduction (2001 – 2006). United States Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services study to evaluate the effect of mesomammalian predator removal on bobwhite quail reproduction (2001 – 2006). Principals Principals USDA-Wildlife Services USDA-Wildlife Services University of Georgia University of Georgia Auburn University Auburn University Tall Timbers Research Station, Florida Tall Timbers Research Station, Florida Valdosta State University Valdosta State University

Canine Distemper in Georgia/Florida Mesomammalian predators were removed from three southwest Georgia/north Florida quail plantations (Pebble Hill, Tall Timbers, Pinebloom – 2 sites). Mesomammalian predators were removed from three southwest Georgia/north Florida quail plantations (Pebble Hill, Tall Timbers, Pinebloom – 2 sites). Included raccoons, opossums, foxes, armadillos, coyotes, feral dogs, feral cats and bobcats. Included raccoons, opossums, foxes, armadillos, coyotes, feral dogs, feral cats and bobcats. Animals were euthanized, frozen, transported to VSU and necropsied. Animals were euthanized, frozen, transported to VSU and necropsied. Various samples and data were collected. Various samples and data were collected.

Canine Distemper in Georgia/Florida 365 raccoon serum samples collected in were analyzed for CDV by serologic methods. 365 raccoon serum samples collected in were analyzed for CDV by serologic methods. IFAT to detect antibodies in serum samples. IFAT to detect antibodies in serum samples. > 1:8 titer was considered positive per manufacturer’s protocol. > 1:8 titer was considered positive per manufacturer’s protocol.

Negative Positive

Canine Distemper in Georgia/Florida In from Pebble Hill and Pinebloom-East sites - 47/136 (34.6%) positive. In from Pebble Hill and Pinebloom-East sites - 47/136 (34.6%) positive. In from Pinebloom- West and Tall Timbers sites - 69/229 (30.1%) positive. In from Pinebloom- West and Tall Timbers sites - 69/229 (30.1%) positive. Total number of positives - 116/365 (31.8%). Total number of positives - 116/365 (31.8%). No significant difference: Chi square = 0.58, df=1 No significant difference: Chi square = 0.58, df=1

Canine Distemper in Georgia/Florida By Sex of Raccoon: By Sex of Raccoon: Female raccoons – 39/116 (33.6%) positive Female raccoons – 39/116 (33.6%) positive Male raccoons – 77/229 (30.9%) positive Male raccoons – 77/229 (30.9%) positive No significant difference: Chi square = 0.16, df=1 No significant difference: Chi square = 0.16, df=1

Canine Distemper in Georgia/Florida

Conclusions: Conclusions: Canine Distemper is present in raccoons in the Red Hills plantation region of southern Georgia/northern Florida. Canine Distemper is present in raccoons in the Red Hills plantation region of southern Georgia/northern Florida. There was no significant difference in the number of positive raccoons for CDV between the two years or between the two sexes. There was no significant difference in the number of positive raccoons for CDV between the two years or between the two sexes. Monthly prevalence and age data will be evaluated further. Monthly prevalence and age data will be evaluated further.

Canine Distemper in southwest Georgia Future Plans: Future Plans: Evaluate 2 more years of animal collection. Evaluate 2 more years of animal collection. Evaluate specific age data Evaluate specific age data PCR to confirm viremia? PCR to confirm viremia? Evaluate titer data. Evaluate titer data. Other Mesomammalian species? Other Mesomammalian species? Management Practices? Management Practices?

Canine Distemper in southwest Georgia Acknowledgements: Acknowledgements: USDA – Wildlife Services USDA – Wildlife Services University of Georgia University of Georgia Auburn University Auburn University Tall Timbers Research Station Tall Timbers Research Station Valdosta State University Student and Faculty Development Funds Valdosta State University Student and Faculty Development Funds

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