Frequency of Virus Coinfection in Raccoons ( Procyon lotor) and Striped Skunks ( Mephitis mephitis) During a Concurrent Rabies and Canine Distemper Outbreak

J Wildl Dis. 2018 Jul;54(3):622-625. doi: 10.7589/2017-04-072. Epub 2018 Mar 8.

Abstract

Rabies and canine distemper virus infections in wildlife share similar presenting signs. Canine distemper virus was detected using real-time PCR of conjunctival swabs in rabies positive raccoons (22/32) and skunks (7/34) during a concurrent rabies and canine distemper outbreak in Ontario, Canada in 2015-16. Coinfections with both viruses should be considered, particularly in distemper endemic areas that are at risk of rabies incursion.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Coinfection / epidemiology
  • Conjunctiva / virology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Distemper / complications*
  • Distemper / epidemiology
  • Distemper / virology
  • Distemper Virus, Canine / isolation & purification*
  • Mephitidae / virology*
  • Ontario / epidemiology
  • Rabies / complications
  • Rabies / epidemiology
  • Rabies / veterinary*
  • Rabies / virology
  • Rabies virus / isolation & purification*
  • Raccoons / virology*