Monitoring of Canine Distemper Virus in Wild Carnivores of Taiwan

Wei-Cheng Hsu

Abstract

In recent years, infectious diseases in wild animals have been increasing as a result of habitat alterations and the attendant increase in interactions with domesticated animals. Canine distemper virus (CDV) has been reported in several species of wild carnivores endemic to some countries and as a result, CDV infections represent a growing threat to wildlife conservation. To understand the prevalence of CDV infections among wild carnivores in Taiwan, we tested 1,495 wild carnivore specimens received from 2013 to 2020 using RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). Thirteen specimens comprising 0.87% of the specimens data set were positive for CDV. Of the thirteen positive specimens, ten were from the Formosan gem-faced civet (Paguma larvata taivana) and three from the Formosan ferret badger (Melogale moschata subaurantiaca), representing 2.69% and 0.28% positivity in each species, respectively. Our survey revealed higher rates of canine distemper in the Formosan gem-faced civet population than in the Formosan ferret badger. To prevent the rise of a canine distemper epidemic within the wildlife populations of Taiwan, more attention is needed on wildlife conservation issues.