Immunochromatographic Detection Of Canine Distemper Virus As An Evaluation Of Cross-Species Transmissions In Wildlife Of Sepilok, Sabah

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal RNA virus belonging to the Morbillivius family. Previously notorious for infecting Canidae and Felidae, recent reports in wildlife have sparked its threat on their conservation. With the objective of determining its prevalence in free-ranging and captive animals in Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, this study measured the seropositivity of CDV antibodies in six animal species in Sabah, Malaysia, including captive Bornean sun bears, captive Bornean orangutans, captive Bornean elephants, free-ranging macaques, stray dogs, and wild rats. Canine distemper antibody seropositivity and titre were detected using Bionote Anigen Rapid CDV Ab Test Kit 2.0 using whole blood samples. Of the 90 animals tested, a total of 91.11% were seropositive to canine morbillivirus antibodies. The findings of this study highlighted the potential risks of cross-species transmission and emphasised the need for integrated disease surveillance and conservation efforts to protect threatened wildlife species.
Keywords: Borneo, canine distemper virus, canine morbillivirus, cross-species, wildlife.