Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) is a high-contact infection spread mainly by droplet transmission. Canine distemper virus and canine parainfluenza virus are the most common causes of respiratory disease.

1.Pathogen

Canine distemper virus: belongs to the genus Measles virus of the family Paramyxoviridae. It is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract, digestive tract, urinary tract, nervous system and immune system of dogs.

Canine parainfluenza virus: belongs to the genus Parainfluenza virus in the family Paramyxoviridae. It mainly infects the respiratory system of dogs and causes respiratory diseases.

2.Clinical symptoms

When co-infected, the dog will show the combined symptoms of the two viral infections, which are usually more severe:

Respiratory symptoms: coughing, sneezing, runny nose, difficulty breathing

Digestive symptoms (mainly caused by distemper virus): vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite.

Neurologic symptoms (mainly caused by canine distemper virus): convulsions, seizures, ataxia.

Systemic symptoms: high fever, increased ocular and nasal discharge, dehydration, weakness, emaciation.

3.Transmission

Both viruses are transmitted by direct contact, droplet transmission or contact with contaminated environment and objects:

Canine distemper virus: spread through respiratory secretions, urine, and feces. Infected dogs release the virus through coughing and sneezing.

Canine parainfluenza virus: spread mainly through respiratory droplets. Infected dogs through close contact.

4.Clinical diagnosis

Diagnosis of co-infections requires a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests and specific tests. Judge the possible co-infections based on the combined symptoms and then proceed to laboratory tests.

Blood tests: leukopenia or leukocytosis. Biochemical tests: assessment of liver and kidney function. PCR tests: detection of nucleic acids of canine distemper virus and canine parainfluenza virus. Serologic tests: detection of specific antibodies or antigens, e.g. ELISA.

5.Preventive and curative measures

A combination of measures is needed to prevent and control co-infection with canine distemper virus and canine parainfluenza virus. Preventive measures: Regular vaccination against canine distemper virus and canine parainfluenza virus. Avoid contact between healthy and infected dogs. Regularly disinfect kennels and activity areas to minimize the spread of the virus.

Therapeutic measures: Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and provide nutritional support. There is no specific antiviral drug, mainly rely on supportive treatment and control of secondary infection. Use antibiotic therapy to prevent and treat secondary bacterial infections.

Nursing measures: Provide a warm, dry and quiet environment. Monitor the dog’s body temperature, respiration and neurological symptoms, and adjust the treatment program in time. Through the above measures, the co-infection of canine distemper virus and canine parainfluenza virus can be effectively prevented, diagnosed and treated, and its impact on the health of dogs can be reduced.

6.Canine Distemper Virus/Parainfluenza Virus Antigen Combo Rapid Test

We have developed an antigen test kit for the detection of Canine Distemper & Canine Parainfluenza Virus in canine secretion samples. The test card can detect both distemper and canine parainfluenza viruses at the same time, which can provide an effective means of initial diagnosis of respiratory diseases in the user’s dogs, and at the same time provide a reference for subsequent targeted treatment.