Canine Distemper Virus Found in Bardiya Leopard: A Growing Threat to Wildlife and Humans

Bardiya, December 8: The highly contagious canine distemper virus (CDV), typically found in domestic dogs, has been confirmed in a wild leopard in Bardiya National Park. Officials revealed this during a program organized yesterday by Swasthya Live Media with technical support from the Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal (CMDN). The disease, which has previously been reported elsewhere, was detected in Bardiya, raising concerns about its impact on wildlife and its potential risk to humans.

Veterinarians confirmed that the virus likely spread to the leopard after it preyed on infected dogs from settlements near the park’s buffer zone. “The leopard tested positive for CDV, likely contracted after consuming infected dogs. The proximity of human settlements to buffer zones increases the risk of such transmissions,” said Dr. Ayush Maharjan, a veterinarian at Bardiya National Park.

CDV is a highly infectious viral disease affecting a dog’s respiratory, digestive, ocular, and skin systems. With a mortality rate exceeding 50%, the virus poses a serious threat to wildlife conservation. Dr. Maharjan added that experts suspect the disease may have also spread to tigers in the park.

Human-Wildlife Health at Risk

The confirmation of CDV in Bardiya has sparked concerns about growing interactions between wildlife, domestic animals, and human populations. “Seventy percent of serious diseases in humans originate from animals,” said Dr. Ashok Kumar Ram, chief of Bardiya National Park. He emphasized the importance of minimizing contact between humans and wildlife to prevent cross-species disease transmission.

“Leopards and tigers, which are now vulnerable to diseases from dogs, are the same animals more likely to attack humans. This creates an additional layer of risk,” Dr. Ram explained, urging stronger management of wildlife health to prevent disease outbreaks.

However, local representatives admit to lacking awareness of zoonotic diseases—those transmitted between animals and humans. “We are not well-informed about zoonoses or the One Health approach, which makes managing these threats very challenging,” said Kalam Bisht, Economic Development Assistance Chief of Thakurbaba Municipality. He called for urgent training and awareness programs for local representatives to effectively address emerging health risks.

Zoonotic Diseases and Pandemic Threats

The findings have intensified discussions about the risks of pandemics originating from zoonotic diseases. “Without adopting the One Health approach, it will be extremely difficult to combat diseases capable of causing pandemics,” warned Sunita Paudel, Chief of the District Health Office. She highlighted the lack of separation between domestic livestock and wildlife in buffer zones as a key issue. “This increases the risk of cross-species infections,” she added.

Dr. Santosh Dulal raised concerns about Nepal’s failure to fully implement its Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) plan. He also pointed to global challenges such as illegal wildlife trade and unregulated urbanization, which contribute to the spread of diseases. “Habitat loss and disorganized urban expansion are making it harder to conserve biodiversity, leaving ecosystems and human populations more vulnerable,” he said.

Future Pandemics a Growing Possibility

Experts have warned of the potential for future pandemics originating from zoonotic diseases. “Emerging diseases are increasingly being transmitted from animals to humans. A major pandemic could occur again at any time,” cautioned Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun of Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Teku.

Dr. Pun stressed the need for deeper investigations into wildlife deaths and prioritizing zoonotic diseases in public health policy. “Cases of zoonotic infections are gradually increasing in hospitals, yet they remain a low priority,” he said.

As Bardiya faces the alarming spread of CDV from domestic dogs to wildlife, the need for urgent action has become clear. Conservationists, health officials, and local representatives are calling for the adoption of the One Health approach to safeguard both wildlife and human populations. Without such measures, the interconnected health of Nepal’s biodiversity and its people will remain at risk.