Concurrent Circulation of Canine Distemper Virus (South America-4 Lineage) at the Wild-Domestic Canid Interface in Aburrá Valley, Colombia.

Abstract

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is the causative agent of a widespread infectious disease affecting both domestic and wild carnivores. Owing to its ability to cross species barriers and its high fatality rate in unvaccinated animals, CDV poses a significant conservation threat to endangered wildlife worldwide. To date, two distinct CDV lineages have been reported in Colombia, with cases documented separately in domestic dogs and wild peri-urban carnivores. This study aimed to detect and characterize the concurrent circulation of CDV in naturally infected domestic dogs and crab-eating foxes () from the same area in Colombia. Through molecular and phylogenetic analyses, we identified the South America/North America-4 lineage infecting both populations simultaneously. Our findings revealed high genetic variability, multiple virus reintroductions, and a close relationship with CDV strains previously detected in the United States. These results confirm the simultaneous circulation of CDV in the domestic and wildlife interface and underscore the urgent need for an integrated approach to CDV prevention and control involving both domestic and wildlife health interventions.