First report of canine distemper in the Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in Ecuador

Abstract:

The Andean fox is the second-largest canid in South America, typically difficult to see due to its nocturnal habits and rustic brown and grey fur. It is native to western South America, from southern Colombia to Tierra del Fuego (Jiménez et al., 1995). The Andean fox, as well as other members of the Canidae family, face human/animal conflicts in areas where it preys on young livestock and poultry (Castellanos et. al, 2020). Farm owners deal with the natural predator/prey relationship by killing the predator instead of properly securing their farms or implementing a livestock guardian dog program. Besides, Andean foxes are hunted for their tails in Ecuador because they are considered good luck charms according to popular belief. Nonetheless, the Andean fox has been classified as Least Concern by the IUCN (Luchereni, 2016). Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a pantropic Morbillivirus with a worldwide distribution that causes a lethal disease in dogs. Infected animals develop dyspnea, diarrhea, neurological symptoms, and immunosuppression. The systemic infection by CDV, which resembles distemper in domestic dogs (Beineke, 2015), can also be found in animals other than dogs. Both natural and experimental CDV infection has been reported in animals belonging to various orders including Carnivora (twelve families), Rodentia (four families),

Año de publicación:

2021

Keywords:

Fuente:

google