Data on Canine Distemper Virus Reported by Amir Sadaula and Colleagues [Phylogenetic analysis linked fatal neurologic disease in leopards (Panthera pardus) to Asia-5 lineage of canine distemper virus in Nepal].

A recent study conducted in Nepal has found that leopards in the country are being affected by the Asia-5 lineage of the canine distemper virus (CDV). The virus, which is highly contagious and often fatal, has raised concerns about its transmission between domestic dogs and wild carnivores. The study used post-mortem samples from four leopards and found that the CDV strains in the leopards were genetically related to those found in dogs and other carnivores in Nepal and neighboring India. Urgent measures, including vaccination programs and controlling the dog population, are needed to protect Nepal's leopards and other wild carnivores from this disease. [Extracted from the article]