Canine Distemper Virus in Indian Wildlife: Review and Homoeopathic Preventive Approaches

Canine distemper virus, a highly contagious morbillivirus, poses a significant threat to global wildlife populations. In India, the virus has been identified as a critical risk factor for several endangered and vulnerable carnivores, including the Asiatic lion ( Panthera leo persica ), Bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris ), and various other felids and canids. With domestic dogs acting as the primary viral reservoir, spillover events are frequent. This review synthesizes current epidemiological data, explores viral pathogenesis, and evaluates the potential of the homeopathic preparation “Desitempirum” as a non-toxic preventive intervention. Given the logistical constraints of traditional vaccination in free-ranging wildlife, this paper proposes an integrated One Health approach that combines targeted surveillance with accessible homeopathic supportive care.