Canine
distemper virus is in the Morbillivirus genus
within the
family Paramyxoviridae. These viruses have enveloped virions
that hold a
nonsegmented, negative RNA genome. The envelope proteins of
CDV have
a membrane protein and two glycoproteins. One glycoprotein is the attachment
protein and the other glycoprotein is the fusion protein. The distemper
virus
is a large virus measuring 100-250nm in diameter it is also very
sensitive to
heat and does not last long outside of the host. (1,2,3)
|
A picture of the rinderpest virus a close relative of the canine
distemper virus. |
A cartoon of the canine
distemper virus. |
The Canine distemper
virus is also a close relative of the
human measles and the bovine rinderpest viruses. The Canine distemper
virus has
been known to cause disease since the 1700 in France. The CDV was
probably
brought to Europe from Asia or Peru via Spanish explorers. This virus
is still
one of the most important contagious diseases of dogs world wide. This
is also
the case with large felines, other carnivores and seals. (3,4)
Canine distemper virus
also goes by the name of Carré
Disease. The reason is that Mr Carré, in France 1905, was the
first person to
say that canine distemper was viral in origin. Yet the scientific
community did
not accept this fact for 20 because they thought it was only Bordetella
bronchiseptica involved in the respiratory disease of dogs. In the 1927 this statement was verified be an
Italian researcher by the name of Pontin. Pontin also received the
credit for
demonstrating that formolized virus from the brains of infected animals
can
provide an active immunity to healthy animals. (2,3)
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