Antibodies to Canine Distemper and Phocine Distemper Viruses in Polar Bears from the Canadian Arctic

Abstract

Serum samples collected from 200 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from two populations in the Canadian arctic, the western Hudson Bay and Lancaster Sound populations, between 1989 and 1996, were tested for antibodies to canine distemper (CDV) and phocine distemper viruses (PDV) using virus neutralization. Antibodies to CDV and PDV were detected in 48 and six polar bears, respectively. All six bears that tested positive for PDV also tested positive for CDV; in only one case did the antibody titer for PDV exceed that of CDV. Differences in antibody prevalence to CDV were detected between populations and age classes but not sex or year of sampling.

Morbillivirus and Toxoplasma Exposure and Association with Hematological Parameters for Southern Beaufort Sea Polar Bears: Potential Response to Infectious Agents in a Sentinel Species

“…Polar bears seropositive for CDV-like viruses have been found across the Arctic. In portions of Canada and in Svalbard, prevalence has been documented at 24 and 8%, respectively (Cattet et al, 2004;Tryland et al, 2005). In Alaska and Russia (Bering, Chukchi, and East Siberian seas), CDV prevalence has ranged from 26%-46% depending upon sample year (Follmann et al, 1996).…”

“…Antibodies to morbillivirus and Toxoplasma gondii have been previously documented in polar bears throughout the Arctic (Garner et al, 2000;Tryland, 2000;Tryland et al, 2005;Cattet et al, 2004;Zarnke et al, 2004;Rah et al, 2005;Oksanen et al, 2009;Jensen et al, 2010). Transmission dynamics of morbilliviruses and Toxoplasma in the Arctic may be affected as climate changes impact vectors and the health, behavior, movement, and population dynamics of reservoir populations of marine (e.g., pinniped) and terrestrial hosts (e.g., domestic and wild canids).…”

An Outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus in Tigers (<i>Panthera tigris</i>): Possible Transmission from Wild Animals to Zoo Animals

“…Moreover, seropositivity of one wild bear (Ursus thibetanus) captured around the zoo supports the possibility of a CDV outbreak among wild mammals around the zoo. As a predator of arctic seals, polar bear (Ursus maritimus) has been suggested to be susceptible to CDV infection [6]. In the current study, it is assumed that the wild bear might have been exposed by feeding on CDVinfected wild animals.…”

Canine Distemper Outbreak in Rhesus Monkeys, China

“…Case-fatality rates for these animals has ranged from 30% to 80% and even to 100% of ferrets ( 7 ). Natural infection with CDV has occasionally been reported in bears, lesser pandas, and giant pandas ( 8 – 10 ). Monkeys are not generally considered susceptible but can be experimentally infected ( 11 , 12 ).…”