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Canine distemper Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.
Canine distemper facts for kids
| Canine distemper virus | |
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| Virus classification | |
| Group: | Group V ((-)ssRNA) |
| Order: | Mononegavirales |
| Family: | Paramyxoviridae |
| Genus: | Morbillivirus |
| Species: | Canine Distemper Virus |
Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects animals in the families Canidae, Mustelidae, Mephitidae, Procyonidae and some Felidae (though not domestic cats: feline distemper or panleukopenia is a different virus exclusive to cats). It is most commonly associated with domestic animals such as dogs and ferrets, although it can infect wild animals as well. It is a single-stranded RNA virus of the family paramyxovirus, and thus a close relative of measles and rinderpest. Despite extensive vaccination in many regions, it remains a major disease of dogs.
Images for kids
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Dog infected with canine distemper. Note the purulent nasal discharge and hyperkeratotic nose.