However, because CDV effects a wide variety of body systems and tissues the clinical presentation is variable and often mimics several other diseases. Therefore in order to make a definitive diagnosis you need to detect the virus, it's antigen, or antibodies produced against it. There are a variety of detection methods and discrepancies exist in the literature as to which is the preferred method.
Serology is a quick and easy method of detection.
Serology has its limitations in that it may not detect an acute infection if the animal has not had time to respond to the infection with antibody production.