In December 2000, an infectious disease spread through a captive breeding group of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in Tanzania, killing 49 of 52 animals within 2 months. The causative agent was identified as Canine distemper virus (CDV) by means of histologic examination, virus isolation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, and nucleotide sequencing. This report emphasizes the importance of adequate protection against infectious diseases for the successful outcome of captive breeding programs of endangered species.

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hdl.handle.net/1765/3853
Emerging Infectious Diseases - (Open Access)
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

van de Bildt, M., Kuiken, T., Visee, A. M., Lema, S., Fitzjohn, A. R., & Osterhaus, A. (2002). Distemper outbreak and its effect on African wild dog conservation. Emerging Infectious Diseases - (Open Access), 8(2), 211–213. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/3853