Canine distemper outbreak and laryngeal paralysis in captive tigers (Panthera tigris)
Issued Date
2025-01-24
Resource Type
eISSN
17466148
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85216998609
Pubmed ID
39856666
Journal Title
BMC veterinary research
Volume
21
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
BMC veterinary research Vol.21 No.1 (2025) , 33
Suggested Citation
Suwanpakdee S., Wiratsudakul A., Chaisilp N., Prasittichai L., Skulpong A., Maneeorn P., Bhusri B., Mongkolpan C., Buddhirongawatr R., Taowan J., Wongluechai P., Arya N., Suwannaprapha P., Ngamwongsatit N., Wiriyarat W., Sangkachai N. Canine distemper outbreak and laryngeal paralysis in captive tigers (Panthera tigris). BMC veterinary research Vol.21 No.1 (2025) , 33. doi:10.1186/s12917-025-04490-9 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/104277
Title
Canine distemper outbreak and laryngeal paralysis in captive tigers (Panthera tigris)
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The canine distemper virus (CDV) could infect various wildlife species worldwide. The viral infection in large felids directly impacts wildlife conservation. This study aimed to understand better the burden of CDV outbreaks in captive tiger populations in Thailand and a novel discovery of their clinical signs with a history of CDV exposure. We followed up on their infection from May 2016 to October 2020 with laboratory testing and veterinary medical records. The cumulative morbidity and mortality rates were relatively high. Moreover, 50% of the tigers survived at 2 years after infection. All suspected and confirmed cases of CDV infections were significantly associated with laryngeal inflammation, which developed into paralysis in almost 50% of cases. Altogether, 50% of all tiger cases with chronic infection developed stridor at 314 days after virus infection [95% CI: 302-320]. Therefore, laryngeal paralysis may result from CDV infection and degeneration, potentially affecting the peripheral and central nervous systems. This condition could pose a life-threatening risk to tigers. The virus could spread quickly by contact with bodily excretion among tigers and fomite contamination once it affects a specific population. Implementation of biosecurity measures and vaccination is essential to mitigate the risk of disease spread and infection rates in tiger populations.