MODIFIED LIVE DISTEMPER VACCINES CARRY LOW MORTALITY RISK FOR CAPTIVE AFRICAN WILD DOGS, LYCAON PICTUS

Recently, canine distemper virus (CDV) has been linked to population declines in the endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). As CDV appears able persist wildlife, threats free-ranging dogs cannot be eliminated by vaccinating domestic dogs. Conservation managers may therefore consider vaccination of highly threatened populations. For use field conservation, ideal vaccine would safe, immunogenic, and readily available Africa. The type most commonly used for (modified live vaccine) is Africa, apparently immunogenic dogs, but fatal vaccine-induced captive However, alternatives are either ineffective (inactivated or difficult obtain Africa (recombinant vaccine). Data from a questionnaire survey zoo practices were combined with studbook tracing assess safety modified Among 135 pups given first time, there was single, unconfirmed, case potential distemper. Pups survived better than those inactivated no vaccine. Although revealed higher overall pup survival at zoos which responded did not, all born during 20-yr period that lived long enough vaccinated (n = 698 155 litters) mortality events consistent Modified thus carry low risks captivity, warrant trials