Severe canine distemper outbreak in unvaccinated dogs in Mozambique

Authors

  • Julieta Zacarias Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research
  • Alberto Dimande Eduardo Mondlane University
  • Sara Achá Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research
  • Paula T Dias Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research
  • Elisa M Leonel Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
  • Aurora Messa Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
  • Baltazar Macucule Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
  • José L Júnior Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
  • Custódio G Bila Eduardo Mondlane University

Abstract

Although significant animal suffering caused by preventable diseases is frequently seen in developing countries, reports of this are scarce. This report describes avoidable animal suffering owing to a suspected canine distemper (CD) outbreak in unvaccinated dogs owned by low-income families in Mozambique that killed approximately 200 animals. Affected dogs exhibited clinical signs, and gross and microscopic lesions compatible with CD. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of canine distemper virus (CDV) in the kidney of one dog from the cohort. This brief communication again illustrates that large outbreaks of CDV in unvaccinated dogs occur and that large-scale avoidable suffering and threats to the health of dogs and wild canines continue. Mass vaccination supported by government and non-government organisations is recommended. 

Author Biographies

  • Julieta Zacarias, Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research

    Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research, Maputo, Mozambique

  • Alberto Dimande, Eduardo Mondlane University

    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique

  • Sara Achá, Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research

    Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research, Maputo, Mozambique

  • Paula T Dias, Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research

    Mozambican Institute of Agriculture Research, Maputo, Mozambique

  • Elisa M Leonel, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

    Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maputo,  Mozambique

  • Aurora Messa, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

    Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maputo, Mozambique

  • Baltazar Macucule, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

    Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maputo, Mozambique

  • José L Júnior, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

    Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maputo, Mozambique

  • Custódio G Bila, Eduardo Mondlane University

    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique

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Published

2021-12-09

Issue

Section

Case Report