Detection and Phylogenetic Characterization of Canine Distemper Virus (Morbillivirus canis) in Wild Foxes and Badgers from Northern Italy in 2021–2026

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious multisystemic pathogen posing severe threats to wild carnivores and domestic animals. To investigate CDV circulation and lineage diversity in Piacenza Province, Northern Italy, wildlife surveillance was conducted under the Regional Wildlife Monitoring Plan between 2021 and June 2026. Forty-three wild carnivores—comprising red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), European badgers (Meles meles), wolves (Canis lupus), stone martens (Martes foina), and one jackal (Canis aureus)—were evaluated by necropsy, histopathology and molecular assays (RT-qPCR/RT-PCR). Overall, 12 animals (27.9%, 95% CI: 15.3–43.7; six foxes and six badgers) were confirmed to be CDV-positive. No positivity was found before 2024. Positive animals displayed characteristic lesions, including hemorrhagic enteritis, pulmonary hepatization, and footpad hyperkeratosis. Sequencing of the hemagglutinin (H) gene of the four complete H genes obtained revealed that they belonged to clade A of the European/South American 1 lineage, showing the highest nucleotide identity with Alpine CDV strains from Switzerland and Northern Italy. These results confirm the recent circulation of CDV amongst foxes and badgers in Piacenza. Continuous molecular monitoring and integrated cross-border surveillance remain essential for the effective management of transmission at the interface between wildlife and domestic animals.