Immuuological Surey of Canine Distemper in Large Felids in Zoos
Abstract: Large felids, such as tigers, lions and leopards are often infected with Canine Distemper (CD). Blood samples from pre-immune Amur tiger, African lion and lynx were collected and the antibody against CDV was measured by neutralization tests. The results showed that their CDV antibody level were all below 1:5. After inoculated with attenuated CD vaccine, the young animals produced antibody in 14 days but the antibody levels of the adults increased rapidly within two months and maintained at titer of 1: 64, then gradually dropped after 9 to 11 months. After booster immunizing, antibody level went up rapidly to≥1:112. The vaccination was safe to the animals. Achroia Indian tiger, however, could not produce CDV neutralizing antibody after vaccination.