Detection of intracellular canine distemper virus antigen in mink inoculated with an attenuated or a virulent strain of canine distemper virus

Using an indirect immunofluorescence technique, the distribution of viral antigen in various tissues and blood mononuclear leukocytes was studied in wild mink, either vaccinated with an attenuated vaccine strain of canine distemper virus (CDV) or experimentally inoculated with the virulent Snyder-Hill strain of CDV. Viral antigen was detected in cells of the lymphoid system 6 to 12 days after vaccination. From 2 to 3 days after inoculation with the virulent strain, CDV antigen was demonstrated in cells of the lymphoid system and, during the incubation period, the antigen had spread to the epithelia and brain at days 6 and 12, respectively. In clinical cases of acute fatal canine distemper, the viral antigen was detected in a wide variety of tissues, including the cells of the lymphoid system, epithelial cells of skin, mucous membranes, lung, kidney, and cells of the CNS. The diagnostic importance of CDV antigen detection is discussed on the basis of these findings.     

Experimental elaphostrongylus rangiferi infection in calves and lambs.

In two lambs and two calves infected experimentally with infective larvae of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi, lymphohistiocytic and eosinophilic cell infiltrations in the leptomeninges and lymphohistiocytic granulomas in the perineurium of the cauda equina of the CNS were demonstrated. These histopathological changes are similar to the lesions usually demonstrated in reindeer with elaphostrongylosis. No parasites were found, however, in the CNS or other organs.