Paramyxoviruses of the morbilli group in the wild hedgehog Erinaceus europeus.

Abstract

Dead and sick hedgehogs (Erinaceus europeus) were examined, together with apparently healthy individuals, and paramyxo virus of the morbilli group was isolated. One animal's symptoms were similar to those caused by canine distemper and the virus isolate from faecal suspensions from this animal were antigenically related in various degrees to measles, canine distemper, rinderpest and PPRV viruses. Isolates from normal hedgehogs were found to belong to the same group. The variability and host specificity of members of paramyxo morbilli group virus are discussed and the role of natural infections of wild communities is considered in relation to disease in domestic animals and man.