Abstract

A fatal disease outbreak occurred in palm civets in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, a southern state of India. The disease killed about twenty animals in three localities of the district. Clinical signs were unnoticed and reported as “found dead” in field. Samples collected during post mortem were positive for canine distemper virus antigen using CDV antigen test kit. Consistently observed lesions consisted of severe pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis and gastroenteritis. Bacteriological culture and antigen detection tests for other infections such as rabies, canine and feline corona infection and parvo viral enteritis were negative. Though not a zoonotic pathogen, the disease has got animal health implications. Being a fatal and highly contagious disease, CDV could threaten their life and endanger the species and also pose a serious threat to the health of pets, stray dogs, zoo animals and wild animals facing species endangerment in the areas they inhabit. The potential of cross-species disease transmission between wildlife and domestic animals is discussed.

Keywords : Palm Civet, CDV, Canine Distemper, Epidemic