SDA virus infection can interfere with research on the eyes, salivary glands, lacrimal glands or the respiratory tract. Other effects that may complicate studies include altered immune system responses and decreased reproductive efficiency. Sendai virus is a paramyxovirus that is commonly found in both mice and rats. It is extremely contagious, with an affinity for respiratory epithelium. It is transmitted efficiently by contact and aerosol.
Epizootic infection occurs when a population is first infected by the virus.
The entire population is infected within a short period of time. Signs include respiratory distress, death of sucklings and neonates, and poor growth in young mice. Amongst many effects that Sendai virus can have that may affect research results, Sendai virus infection alters the host immune response and host responses to transplantable tumors. It is a common, short-lived infection in euthymic rats and mice. Rat parvoviruses include Toolan's H-1, rat parvovirus and Kilham's rat virus.