Detection of respiratory viruses in shelter dogs maintained under varying environmental conditions

Abstract

Three dog shelters in Rio Grande do Sul were investigated for associations between the occurrence of respiratory viruses and shelter environmental conditions. Nasal secretions randomly collected during the cold season were tested via PCR, and this data collection was followed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplicons. In shelter #1 (poor sanitary and nutritional conditions, high animal density and constant contact between dogs), 78% (58/74) of the nasal samples were positive, 35% (26/74) of which were in single infections and 44% (32/74) of which were in coinfections. Shelters #2 and #3 had satisfactory sanitary and nutritional conditions, outdoors exercise areas (#2) and animal clustering by groups (#3). In shelter #2, 9% (3/35) of the samples were positive for Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), and 6% (2/35) were positive for Canid herpesvirus 1 (CaHV-1). In shelter #3, 9% (7/77) of the samples were positive for Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAdV-2), and 1% (1/77) were positive for Canine distemper virus (CDV). The amplicon sequences (CPIV and CDV nucleoprotein gene; CAdV-2 E3 gene; CaHV-1 glycoprotein B gene) showed 94–100% nucleotide identity with GenBank sequences. Our results demonstrate that CPIV, CAdV-2 and CDV are common in dog shelters and that their frequencies appear to be related with environmental and nutritional conditions. These results indicate the need for control/prevention measures, including vaccination and environmental management, to minimize these infections and improve dog health.

Recommendations on vaccination for Latin American small animal practitioners: a report of the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group

“…Most of the dogs in that study were reportedly vaccinated against CDV, but had likely not received a full course of vaccination (Calderon et al 2007) [EB1]. Other studies confirm that CDV is present in Brazil (Budaszewski et al 2014, Monteiro et al 2016, Alves et al 2018), Chile (Acosta-Jamett et al 2011, Colombia (Espinal et al 2014), Cuba (González-Chávez et al 2017), Ecuador (DiGangi et al 2019 including the Galápagos Islands (Levy et al 2008 (Gizzi et al 2014) [EB1]. Other studies show that CPV2 is present in Argentina (Calderón et al 2011(Calderón et al , 2015, Brazil (Alves et al 2018, Headley et al 2018, Chile (Acosta-Jamett et al 2015), Colombia (Duque-García et al 2017), Cuba (Pino-Rodríguez et al 2018), Ecuador (Levy et al 2008, Aldaz et al 2013, De la Torre et al 2018, DiGangi et al 2019, Mexico (Ortega et al 2017) and Uruguay (Pérez et al 2007, Puentes et al 2012, Maya et al 2013 [EB1].…”

“…A study conducted in three shelters in the South of Brazil showed, by PCR from nasal swabs, that CAV2 was present as a single infection in 5.4 and 7.8% of the dogs in two shelters, while canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV; parainfluenza virus type 5) was found in 29.7 and 8.6% of the dogs, respectively. CAV2 was present as a coinfection with CDV in 2.7% of the dogs, CAV2 with CPiV in 22.9% of the dogs, CPiV and CDV in 4% of the dogs and CAV2, CDV and CPiV in 13.5% of the dogs in one of the shelters (Monteiro et al 2016) [EB1].…”

Infectious Causes of Abortion, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death in Bitches

“…Its horizontal transmission can occur due to direct or indirect contact between dogs. This contact can happen through nasal secretions, semen and contaminated aerosols, regardless of sex or age distinction, being observed an increased susceptibility in puppies less than 2 months [63]. Animals without updated immunization record, with vaccination failures and maternal immunization also become more prone to infection [64].…”

“…With the collection of the appropriate material, histopathological tests, biochemical, immunofluorescence microscopy and molecular tests can be performed. The CHV-1 presence can be confirmed in samples by polymerase chain reaction [63] and by the sequencing, comparing similarity between the surrounding sequences. PCR allows for viral detection even in animals that have the latent infection [58].…”

“…However, despite this agent being seen as the main cause of abortion and foetal mortality in dogs, other pathogens may be associated directly or indirectly with these consequences, such as loss of pregnancy by systemic infectious anaemia [1]. Vaccination and appropriate sanitary measures are essential to prevent viral spread among animals in kennels [63].…”