Editing Canine distemper (section)

==Prevention==
{{See also|DA2PPC Vaccine}}
A number of [[vaccine]]s against CDV exist for [[dog]]s ([[ATCvet]] code: {{ATCvet|I07|AD05}} and combinations) and [[ferret|domestic ferrets]] ({{ATCvet|I20|DD01}}), which in many jurisdictions are mandatory for pets. Infected animals should be [[quarantine]]d from other dogs for several months owing to the length of time the animal may shed the virus.<ref name=CreevyMerck/> The virus is destroyed in the environment by routine cleaning with disinfectants, detergents, or drying. It does not survive in the environment for more than a few hours at room temperature (20–25&nbsp;°C), but can survive for a few weeks in shady environments at temperatures slightly above freezing.<ref name="Davis Koret">{{cite web | title=Canine Distemper (CDV) | work=UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program | year=2004 | url=http://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/canine-distemper-cdv | access-date=2013-08-17 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010083042/http://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/canine-distemper-cdv | archive-date=2015-10-10 }}</ref> It, along with other labile viruses, can also persist longer in serum and tissue debris.<ref name="Hirsch1999"/>

Despite extensive vaccination in many regions, it remains a major disease of dogs.

To prevent canine distemper, puppies should begin vaccination at 6–8 weeks of age and then continue getting the "booster shot" every 2–4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age. Without the full series of shots, the vaccination does not provide protection against the virus. Since puppies are typically sold at the age of 8–10 weeks, they typically receive the first shot while still with their breeder, but the new owner often does not finish the series. These dogs are not protected against the virus, so are susceptible to canine distemper infection, continuing the downward spiral that leads to outbreaks throughout the world.<ref name="Canine Distemper: Prevention of Infections">{{cite web | title = Canine Distemper: Prevention of Infections | work = MarvistaVet | url = http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_distemper.html | access-date = 2012-04-09 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120421215914/http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_distemper.html | archive-date = 2012-04-21 }}</ref>