How common is canine parvovirus in dogs in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The study on Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) infection was carried out in South Eastern Nigeria using Immunochromatographic (IC) test. Methods: Three states namely Enugu, Abia and Anambra were randomly selected for the study, using simple random sampling method. Six major Veterinary clinics and six kennels (two per state) were also selected by purposive sampling method. The risk factors considered in this study were; age, breed, sex, vaccination status and location. A total of 300 dogs were sampled using purposive sampling method, to select suspected cases of CPV-2 (diarrhoeic) and exposed dogs. Results: The survey showed overall prevalence of 37.3% among the dogs studied in the area. There was no association between the occurrence of CPV-2 and location, sex and vaccination status. According to location the prevalence, was 43%, 38% and 31% in Enugu, Abia and Anambra states, respectively (p>0.05). Sex-related prevalence was 38.0% and 36.6% for male and female, respectively (p>0.05). According to vaccination status, the prevalence was, 36.8%, 34.0%, and 48.7% for vaccinated, unvaccinated and incomplete vaccinated dogs, respectively (p>0.05). The result of the survey showed association (p<0.05) with the occurrence of CPV-2 and age, breed and mortality rates. According to age, the prevalence was, 42.9%, 30.6%, and 17.0% for 0-6 months, 7-12 months and one year and above, respectively (p<0.05). Breed-related prevalence showed Rottweiler (63.4%), Pit bull (50.0%), Toy breeds (50.0%), Great dane (40.0%), Bull mastiff (39.4%), Alsatian (36.0%), Boerboel (36.0%), Caucasian (35.8%) and Mongrel (11.1%) respectively, (p<0.05). Case mortality rate of 72% was also recorded. Conclusions: This study showed, that canine parvovirus is endemic in study area and most prevalent in dogs less than six months of age.