Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE
Integrity Research Journals

ISSN: 2536-7099
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JASVM
Start Year: 2016
Email: jasvm@integrityresjournals.org

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First report of canine distemper viral antigen and its associated risk factors in wild animals in Jos, Northern Nigeria: A Survey

https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2024.481   |   Article Number: CD1369F19   |   Vol.10 (1) - February 2025

Received Date: 10 September 2024   |   Accepted Date: 15 January 2025  |   Published Date: 28 February 2025

Authors:  Kenneth Ikejiofor Ogbu* , Kingsley Uwakwe Ezema , Ijeoma Chekwube Chukwudi , Maimadu Audu Abdullahi , Hassan Ahmad Maikasua , Ahmed Dauda Magaji , Jibreel Abdullahi Sabo , Hamidu Sule , Nanmin Gagara Kromlep , Matthew Terzungwe Tion and Ukamaka Uchenna Eze

Keywords: survey, Plateau State, Antigen, canine distemper virus, wild animals.

ABSTRACT

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Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a contagious incurable often fatal, multi – systemic disease that affect the respiratory, gastro – intestinal and central nervous systems.  Therefore, there is need to investigate some wild animals to ascertain their role as reservoir host which may contribute to the persistent occurrence of this disease in the domestic dog despite the availability of CDV vaccines. This prompted the research work to provide information about CDV in the study area. The aim was to determine the incidence of canine distemper virus antigen (CDV Ag) in some wild animals and non-human primates in Jos zoological museum and Plateau State Wildlife Park, Plateau State.  A total of 42 fecal samples were collected from some wild animals.  The samples were tested for CD antigen presence using SensPERT® Canine distemper Test Kit, VetAll Laboratories. Association between the incidence of infection and some factors such as sex, age, breed, family and location were determined using chi-square at 95% confidence interval. Total incidence recorded was 54.76% (23/42). There was significant difference in relation to location (p<0.05) but there was no significant difference in relation to sex, age, breeds and family. The result of the study established the presence of CDV infection in the study area among wild carnivores and non-human primates thus serving as the reservoir host for the virus. Regular check for Canine Distemper Antigen virus and other pathogens for early detection and maintenance of high standard hygiene practice are recommended. Integration of vaccination against preventable diseases such as CDV is also recommended in the management of wildlife.

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