Canine Distemper: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends (1980-2024)

Harun Yonar

doi:https://doi.org/10.69990/REPVAS.2026.3.2.1

Harun Yonar, Furkan Çağrı BEŞOLUK

Early Appearance
Page : 67-78

DOI : https://doi.org/10.69990/REPVAS.2026.3.2.1

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a significant infectious disease affecting domestic dogs and wild carnivores worldwide. However, there is a lack of systematic, quantitative assessments of this topic in the literature. This bibliometric analysis examined 2,842 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning 45 years (1980–2024), evaluating research trends, geographical distribution by country and institution, and author collaboration networks in canine distemper studies. The analysis revealed distinct temporal phases in publication patterns, characterised by modest output during the foundation period (approximately 20 articles per year from 1980 to 1990), gradual acceleration coinciding with the adoption of PCR technology (mid-1990s to 2005), and exponential growth driven by advances in molecular diagnostics (2005–2015, reaching over 140 articles per year). A recent stabilization suggests that the field is maturing (2020–2024, approximately 115 articles per year). A geographic analysis revealed a regional concentration of research, with the United States dominating with 2,281 publications (38%). This was followed by China with 660 publications (11%) and Germany with 581 publications (10%). This reflects the importance of a well-established research infrastructure, as well as disparities in availability. Institutions such as the University of Bern (201 publications), the University of California system (186) and the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (164) consistently showcased their research. Author impact analysis identified Zurbriggen A. and Vandevelde M. as the most influential researchers, with a high citation impact (h-index of 33 for both) and high productivity (84 and 64 publications respectively). Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed four distinct thematic clusters: molecular epidemiology and phylogenetics; wildlife conservation and interspecies transmission; clinical pathology and neurological manifestations; and diagnostic methodologies. This study provides a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of canine distemper research, identifying key contributors to veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation, as well as collaborative networks, knowledge gaps and future research priorities.

Cite this Article As : Beşoluk, F. Ç., Yonar, H. (2026). Canine Distemper: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends (1980-2024), Research and Practice in Veterinary and Animal Science (REPVAS), 3(2), 67-78. https://doi.org/10.69990/REPVAS.2026.3.2.1

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Canine Distemper: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends (1980-2024), Research Article,

Received : 16.02.2026, Accepted : 24.07.2026 , Published Online : 24.07.2026