Epidemiological observations on recent outbreaks of canine distemper in Tokyo area

Recent outbreaks of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection in Tokyo area were investigated on the basis of clinical features and serological test. The affected dogs were clinically classified into two groups; dogs with respiratory and gastrointestinal signs associated with central nervous system (CNS) signs, and those with CNS signs alone. Of 62 dogs examined, 34 belonged to the former and 28 to the latter. In immunoperoxidase assay, anti-Onderstepoort strain of CDV serum reacted at a low level against 2 field isolates of CDV. These results suggested the presence of different types of CDV population in the field.