Canine Distemper in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Control

Canine distemper is one of the most highly contagious viral diseases affecting domestic dogs and other carnivorous animals and remains a significant concern in veterinary practice. The disease primarily affects the respiratory, digestive, and central nervous systems and is particularly severe in unvaccinated puppies, often resulting in death. This article discusses the etiology of the disease, routes of transmission, clinical manifestations, modern diagnostic methods including PCR and ELISA laboratory tests, as well as preventive measures and epizootic control strategies. The findings indicate that timely vaccination, early diagnosis, isolation of infected animals, and strict adherence to veterinary sanitary regulations are the most effective measures for limiting disease spread and reducing economic losses.