What is canine distemper

Canine distemper, commonly known as canine distemper, is a highly contagious and fatal infectious disease in dogs caused by the canine distemper virus. The mortality rate of this disease is very high, generally reaching more than 50% in adult dogs, and even reaching more than 80% in puppies after infection. Canine distemper has a certain periodicity, often having a major epidemic every three years.

What causes canine distemper

Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus. Canine distemper virus has weak resistance to the external environment and is very sensitive to heat and drying. Drying and most disinfectants can kill the virus. It is also sensitive to ultraviolet light. This virus is not infectious to humans.

High incidence period of canine distemper

Canine distemper occurs more frequently in the cold seasons of winter, spring and autumn and winter. The main reason is that the canine distemper virus can survive for a long time in low temperature environment. For example, under conditions of 2-4 degrees Celsius, canine distemper virus can survive and remain infective for several weeks, and can be stored for several years by freeze-drying. This is also the main reason why canine distemper occurs more frequently in the cold seasons of winter, spring and autumn and winter.