AUTHOR=Alfano Flora , Lucibelli Maria Gabriella , D’Alessio Nicola , Auriemma Clementina , Rea Simona , Sgroi Giovanni , Lucente Maria Stella , Pellegrini Francesco , Diakoudi Georgia , De Carlo Esterina , Decaro Nicola , Lanave Gianvito , Martella Vito , Fusco Giovanna 

TITLE=Detection of canine distemper virus in wildlife in Italy (2022–2024)

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1527550

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2025.1527550

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=CDV has been detected in a wide range of domestic and wild animal also in Italy and it is highly prone to cross-species transmission, therefore representing a significant health risk. In this study the presence of CDV and other coinfecting selected viruses, in wild carnivorans of the family Mustelidae and Canidae and rodents of the family Hystricidae, collected in Southern Italy (Campania region), in 2022–2024, was investigated. Over a period of 3 years (2022–2024), tissue samples from 136 wild animals including stone martens, porcupines, otters, wolves, martens, badgers and foxes were examined. CDV RNA was detected in 14 (10.3%) animals encompassing badgers (n = 6), foxes (n = 5), wolves (n = 2), and marten (n = 1). The complete genome of a CDV strain was reconstructed from a spleen sample of a badger. On sequence and phylogenetic analyses, the novel CDV strain belonged to the Arctic clade, which has already been reported from badger and dog in Italy. Our study contributes to extend the knowledge on the epidemiology of CDV in wildlife and confirm the need for a continuous surveillance in wild animals to monitor the circulation in wildlife of viruses pathogenic for domestic carnivores and endangered wild species.