Canine parvovirus

Abstract

Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is one of the key pathogens of dogs causing an acute disease which is characterized by haemorrhagic enteritis, vomition and myocarditis. The dogs of any age group may be invariably affected by CPV; however, the disease is mainly fatal in pups. The genetic variation amongst CPV-2 resulted into emergence of five new genotypes (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, new CPV-2a, new CPV-2b and CPV-2c) that differ in amino acid sequences over their capsid VP2 protein. Various epidemiological surveys indicate that these newly evolved CPV variants are prevalent in different geographic regions and have completely replaced the original genotype. Despite the availability of a live modified CPV vaccine, CPV cases are regularly reported, which could be due to the appearance of these new antigenic variants. However, interference by maternal-derived antibodies is one of the key factors behind CPV vaccination failure. The present chapter is focused on the general introduction about CPV, evolution of its antigenic variants and the disease pathogenesis. The various diagnostic methods from conventional to latest one are discussed in detail with their merits and demerits. In addition, the currently available strategies adopted for prevention and control of CPV infection along with various risk factors are discussed in length.