NEAFWA 2018

AUTHORS: David B. Needle, Brian A. Stevens, Vivienne C. Burnell, Marίa J. Forzán, Edward J. Dubovi, Krysten L. Schuler, Chris Bernier, Julie C. Ellis, Patrick Tate, Eman Anis, Rebecca P. Wilkes

ABSTRACT: Four fishers (Martes pennanti), one mink (Neovison vison), and one grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargen) from Southern NH, and two grey foxes, one skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and one raccoon (Procyon lotor) from Southeastern VT were submitted to the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in a 15-month period from September 2016 to January 2017. All animals had lesions identified at necropsy consistent with canine distemper virus (CDV) infection. Lesions of CDV infection were most commonly noted in the lungs (10/10 animals), urothelium (7/10), biliary tract (7/10), gastrointestinal tract (5/9), and brain (5/8). Splenic lesions were seen in four (of eight) animals. The diagnosis was confirmed via immunohistochemistry in two initially diagnosed animals. Virus isolation, and viral genotyping performed in 9 of 10 animals revealed that the animals were infected with a divergent clade of canine distemper virus that is thus far unique to wildlife in New England. During the time when these cases were documented, no other CDV clade was identified in any wildlife submitted from these two states, or other state served by the lab. Coinfections included agents of importance to domesticated animals, wildlife and public health. These cases highlight CDV as a significant and evolving pathogen of mesocarnivores in New England.