Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common is canine alphaherpesvirus in North Queensland dogs
By Joonè, C J et al.·Published in Preventive veterinary medicine·2024·College of Public Health, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Seroprevalence of canid alphaherpesvirus-1 and associated risk factors in domestic dogs in North Queensland, Australia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that about 13% of dogs in North Queensland, Australia, tested positive for canid alphaherpesvirus-1 (CaHV-1), which can cause serious health issues in puppies and older dogs, including eye problems and respiratory issues. Dogs that had experienced conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) or were involved in breeding were more likely to have been exposed to the virus. This suggests that CaHV-1 is present in the area and could be affecting the health of puppies and pregnant dogs. If you're concerned about your dog's health or potential exposure, it's a good idea to discuss this with your veterinarian.
Abstract
Canid alphaherpesvirus-1 (CaHV-1) may cause a highly fatal haemorrhagic disease in neonatal pups and is associated with reproductive, respiratory and ocular disease in older dogs. Although assumed to have a world-wide distribution, there have been few reports of CaHV-1 in Australia. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of CaHV-1 in household dogs in a residential suburb in Townsville, as well as in dogs attending two dog shows in the region. Study participants were recruited through door-to-door non-probability sampling (Douglas dogs, n = 185) or invited to participate (Show dogs; n = 76). Dog owners completed a questionnaire that investigated possible risk factors for recent exposure to CaHV-1. A serum sample from each dog was assayed for anti-CaHV-1 antibodies using a commercially available ELISA. Associations between seropositive dogs and owner-reported risk factors were analysed using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression models. The seroprevalence of CaHV-1 was 11.4 % (95 % CI 6.8-15.9 %) and 17.1 % (95 % CI 5.5-28.8) for the Douglas and Show dogs, respectively, with a pooled seroprevalence of 13 % (95 % CI 8.3-17.7 %). Dogs that had suffered from conjunctivitis within the previous 3 months or were involved in breeding were more likely to be seropositive to CaHV-1. No other significant risk factors were identified. In conclusion, CaHV-1 is circulating in dogs in North Queensland and may be contributing to foetal and neonatal losses in this region.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39116762/