Seroprevalence of canine distemper virus (CDV) in the free-roaming dog (Canis familiaris) population surrounding Chitwan National Park, Nepal

A high seroprevalence of canine distemper virus (CDV) at 80% was detected in free-roaming dogs around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, indicating widespread past exposure to the pathogen. The study, conducted on 100 dogs in November 2019, found that adult dogs were significantly more likely to have been exposed to CDV than juveniles, with an odds ratio of 9.00 (95% CI: 1.03-192.75). While sex showed a positive association at the univariable level, this effect was not significant in multivariable analysis. No spatial patterns were observed relative to the park's buffer zone or boundary. The findings underscore the potential for free-roaming dogs to serve as a disease reservoir, posing risks to endangered wildlife such as Bengal tigers. Neutering and vaccination programs are recommended as tools to monitor and mitigate CDV threats in this ecologically significant region.

McDermott, I., Gilbert, M., Shah, M. K., Sadaula, A., & Anderson, N. E. (2023). Seroprevalence of canine distemper virus (CDV) in the free-roaming dog (Canis familiaris) population surrounding Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Plos One, 18(2), e0281542. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281542