Attenuated recombinant viruses containing DNA coding for a canine distemper virus antigen or measles M or N antigen, as well as methods and compositions employing the viruses, are disclosed and claimed. The recombinant viruses can be NYVAC or ALVAC recombinant viruses. The DNA can code for at least one of: canine distemper virus fusion protein, canine distemper virus hemagglutinin glycoprotein, canine distemper nucleocaspid protein, canine distemper matrix protein, measles virus nucleocaspid protein, and measles virus matrix protein. The recombinant viruses and gene products therefrom are useful for eliciting protection against canine distemper virus and / or measles virus, and, the gene products and antibodies elicited thereby are useful in assays. Additionally, DNA from the recombinants is used for probes or for generating PCR primers.