The skunk was euthanized and presented for necropsy. Both lungs were partially consolidated and dark-red. The brain was negative for rabies virus by FA testing. Hemolytic E coli was isolated from the lungs. Histologically, cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were also observed in epithelia of the bile ducts, endometrium, renal pelvis, esophagus, tongue, and lungs.
Skunks are mustelids and are susceptible to canine distemper virus infection.
Other members of the Paramyxoviridae include the genera Paramyxovirus and Pneumovirus. Members of the genus Morbillivirus include rinderpest virus, peste des petits ruminants virus, phocine distemper virus, at least three strains of cetacean morbillivirus and measles virus. Canine morbillivirus infects a wide range of species including wolves, coyotes, ferrets, minks, skunks, raccoons, large cats, badgers, lesser pandas and others. The site of initial infection is respiratory tract epithelium followed by dissemination to and replication within the tonsils and bronchial lymph nodes. A viremia develops and the virus is transported primarily within macrophages to lymphoid tissues, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin, eyes and brain.