[Objective] The aim of the present study was to develop a direct immunofluorescence method for the diagnosis of canine distemper （CD） with FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibodies （FITC-McAb）.[ Metbod] The McAb against CDV, designated as CE3, was purified with protein G and labeled with FITC through agitation method. After purification and identification, the optimal working concentration of FITC-labeled CE3 was determined. Then 61 clinical samples of suspected canine distemper were detected by direct immunofluorescence assay. [ Result] The absorption test, blocking test and specificity test showed that the labeled antibody had high specificity and sensitivity, but didn＇t have cross reaction with canine parvovirus （CPV）, canine parainfluenza virus （CPIV）, canine adenovirus （CAV） and rabies virus （RV）. The optimal working concentration was 1：80. The positive rate of clinical suspected samples was 48%. [ Conclusion] The direct immunofluorescence assay developed in this study was rapid, specific and convenient, and had great significance for the early diagnosis of canine distemper.
