Developing tools to diagnose Canine Distemper Virus in big cats

Implementing Partner:

Wildlife Vets International

Project name:

Developing tools to diagnose Canine Distemper Virus in big cats

Location:

Developed in the UK in the University of Kent. Validation will be undertaken at a range of different locations, including Malaysia and Nepal.

Goal:

To develop a reliable and accessible test for detecting canine distemper virus (CDV) antibodies in tigers and other wild carnivores. This test will be validated against the current gold-standard method using at least 100 stored samples from different species, with trials conducted in the UK, Malaysia, and Nepal. The aim to have completed development by December 2025 has been delayed due to technical issues with developing a stable assay, exacerbated by changes in staffing capacity at the University of Kent and a no cost extension was agreed by WildCats Conservation until December 2026.

Revised objective timeline:

• Objective 1: By April 2025, they will have tested six different protein materials to determine which ones are most effective in detecting canine distemper virus (CDV) antibodies, identifying at least one or two promising options for further development.
• Objective 2: By Jan 2026, they will have developed the first version of the CDV test, confirming that the selected protein material can be placed on a test plate and successfully detect the presence or absence of CDV antibodies in animal blood samples.
• Objective 3: By September 2026, they will have validated the test by trialling it on at least 100 stored animal blood samples from different species, both in the UK and at conservation sites overseas, ensuring that it works accurately and reliably.
• Objective 4: By November 2026, they will have shared findings with the conservation and scientific community through donor reports, publication in a peer-reviewed open-access journal, and media coverage, making the results accessible for use in wildlife disease monitoring and protection efforts.

Background:

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a growing threat to wild tigers and leopards. The first confirmed case in a wild Amur tiger was recorded in 2003 in Russia, and since then, more cases have emerged in both Russia and other countries, affecting both tigers and leopards.

Wild tiger and Amur leopard populations are already struggling due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats. Many Asian big cat populations are small and isolated, making them especially vulnerable to disease outbreaks. CDV has a high fatality rate, killing around 30% of infected tigers, and it has been estimated that outbreaks could significantly increase the risk of extinction for small tiger populations over the next 50 years. However, tracking and diagnosing CDV in wild tigers remains a major challenge.

When an animal is infected with CDV, the virus is only present in the body for a short period, making it difficult to detect directly. However, antibodies (proteins the body produces in response to infection) last much longer, making them a better indicator of whether a tiger or leopard has been exposed to the virus.

There are existing tests that can detect CDV antibodies, but these are designed for domestic dogs and rely on markers that don’t work well for wildlife species. Another option, the Serum Neutralisation Test (SNT), can detect CDV antibodies in tigers and leopards, but it is expensive, time-consuming, and requires specialised laboratory facilities. Only four out of ten tiger range countries have the ability to run this test within their borders, and even when testing is available, logistical barriers—such as the need for government permits and long transport times—can make it difficult to get results quickly.

Current work – An accessible user-friendly test for Canine Distemper Virus in big cats

This project aims to develop a new, easy-to-use ELISA test for detecting CDV antibodies in tigers, leopards, and other wild carnivores. Unlike current options, this test will not be species-specific, meaning it can be used on different animals, including those that may be spreading the virus. By making CDV testing more accessible, this project will help conservationists better understand and manage disease risks, ultimately supporting the long-term survival of tigers, leopards, and other threatened carnivores.