Seroprevalence of canine distemper virus antibodies in free-roaming dogs in Cambodia

Canine distemper virus (CDV) can infect a wide range of mammalian carnivores and can cause severe illness and death. Domestic dogs may be an important source of this virus for endangered wild carnivores. The objective of this study was to establish the presence of CDV in rural areas of Cambodia bordering three established protected habitats, and to determine the seroprevalence of CDV in free-roaming dogs inhabiting these areas. These protected areas are home to endangered carnivores, such as Dhole (Cuon alpinus), and virus transmission from free-ranging dogs may pose a risk to endangered species. Blood samples collected from dogs were tested for CDV IgG antibodies using the Anigen rapid CDV commercial test kit (Bionote). We report the seroprevalence of CDV as 40% of sampled free-ranging dogs. This is the first documentation of CDV in the buffer zone of important protected areas in Cambodia. The high seroprevalence rate suggests a substantial risk of disease transmission to wildlife, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. We recommend further investigation into the role of dogs in the epidemiology of CDV in Cambodian wildlife and the consideration of vaccination programs for domestic dogs in these regions.