Antibody seroprevalence against canine distemper virus, parvovirus, and adenovirus in dogs from a brazilian animal shelter

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify and compare the seroprevalence for canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and canine adenovirus (CAV) between newly admitted and already sheltered dogs. 122 dogs over six months of age and unvaccinated upon admission were sampled and divided into two groups: (A) newly admitted dogs and (B) dogs sheltered for at least two months. Sera were collected to determine IgG antibody titers against CDV, CPV, and CAV. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the samples and a chi-square test to investigate the relationship between potential elements associated with protective antibody titers. The results were: 56.5% of the dogs had protective levels of antibodies to all three pathogens. Dogs in group A had lower titers compared to those in group B for all three pathogens, with significant differences for CDV and CAV. We found no significant difference between the proportion of seropositive dogs and their age or reproductive status. The study suggests that the examined pathogens can circulate in the animal shelter and that dogs can be more exposed to these pathogens in the shelter than in the urban environment. Therefore, an effective immunization program should be carried out on all animals upon admission to shelters.

Keywords

• protective antibodies
• animal shelters
• herd effect
• immunization