Canine and Feline
Distemper
Marie Rhodes
Description
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Diseases that affect
both wildlife and
domesticated carnivores
Caused by two different
viral agents
Both diseases can
cause acute illness and
death
Affected Families
Family
Canidae
Canine
Distemper
Yes
Feline
Distemper
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
wolf, coyote, fox, domestic dog
Felidae
bobcat, lynx, domestic cat
Procyonidae
raccoon
Mustelidae
ferret, mink, weasel, marten,
fisher, otter, badger, skunk,
wolverine
(Mink and possibly
skunk and otter)
Canine Distemper

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
Caused by a
paramyxovirus
Highly contagious
among carnivores
Seen in both
domesticated and wild
animals
Transmission



Direct contact or
possibly contact of
contaminated objects
Shed through feces
and urine of infected
animals
Some evidence
shows transplacental
transmission
Symptoms and Treatment
Domestic dogs show signs such as
coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, nasal and
ocular discharge
 Wild carnivores may only show abnormal
behavior and apparent lack of fear
 Only treatment is supportive care

Feline Distemper
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
Also called feline
panleukopenia, cat
plague, and cat fever
Acute, highly
contagious infectious
viral disease
Transmission




Shed in all body secretions and excretions of
affected animals
Recovered animals may shed virus for months
Fleas and other insects, especially flies, may
play a role in transmission
Spread by either inhalation or ingestion
Symptoms and Treatment


High fever is followed
by depression,
vomiting, anorexia,
diarrhea, and a
profound leukopenia
No treatment after
infection except for
supportive care