Prevalence of Antibodies to Canine Parvovirus and Distemper Virus in Wolves in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

A high prevalence of antibodies to canine parvovirus (CPV) and distemper virus (CDV) was detected in wolves from Banff and Jasper National Parks, with 95% testing positive for CPV and 24% for CDV. The study found that older wolves (≥2 years) were more likely to have CPV antibodies, while male wolves, older individuals, and those near First Nation reserves showed higher CDV antibody prevalence. However, minimal evidence supported a strong link between human activity and pathogen exposure. These findings suggest that CPV and CDV could pose significant threats to wolf populations in the Canadian Rockies, mirroring patterns observed in Yellowstone National Park. The research analyzed 99 wolves sampled between 2000 and 2008, assessing antibody prevalence in relation to human influence, sex, and age.

Nelson, B., Hebblewhite, M., Ezenwa, V., Shury, T., Merrill, E. H., Paquet, P. C., Schmiegelow, F., Seip, D., Skinner, G., & Webb, N. (2012). PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO CANINE PARVOVIRUS AND DISTEMPER VIRUS IN WOLVES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 48(1), 68–76. https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-48.1.68