Short communication. Old diseases for new nightmares: distemper strikes back in Italy

Abstract

This article analyses the distemper outbreak that affected the population of Apennine wolves (Canis lupus) in Italy during 2013. Distemper, as rabies, is a well-known viral infectious disease that concerns the canine population worldwide and represents a threat for wild species too. Implementation of vaccination and legislation for compulsory vaccination strategies should be achieved in areas with endangered wild species.

Keywords

• Abruzzo region
• Canine distemper virus
• Dogs
• Italy
• Vaccination
• Wolves