Patterns of canine parvovirus and possible preventive solutions

Maria Luiza De Grandi, journalist, Ciência Rural, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.

Mário Celso Sperotto Brum, professor, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs, especially puppies. It is caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), which is resistant to temperature variations and environmental conditions, allowing it to survive for extended periods.

To identify the viral strains circulating and infecting dogs in the region, researchers from the Laboratório de Virologia at the Universidade Federal do Pampa (Unipampa), in partnership with a private veterinary clinic, conducted the study Genetic characterization and predominance of the new CPV-2a variant in clinical cases of canine parvovirus in the western region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (Ciência Rural, vol. 54, no. 8, 2024) that made significant contributions to understanding the occurrence of canine parvovirus in the area.

The research, driven by the high number of clinical cases detected in small animals treated by the partner clinic, focused on analyzing clinical, epidemiological, and virological data. Key findings included the profile of the most affected animals: dogs under six months old, 92.5% of which had not completed the full vaccination schedule.

Another notable factor was seasonality, with a higher incidence recorded between October and April, a period when warm weather encourages outings and interactions among dogs, potentially leading to infection.

Image: Pixabay

The methodology involved collecting samples from dogs treated at veterinary clinics and necropsies performed at the university’s Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária. Intestinal samples were subjected to PCR and genetic sequencing to identify the virus, along with rapid immunochromatographic tests and histopathological evaluations to confirm clinical diagnoses.

Although parvovirus is widely studied, this research provided unprecedented data on the disease’s dynamics in the region, highlighting clinical and epidemiological characteristics that differ from other areas in Brazil. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed the predominance of two viruses in the region, with evidence of potentially emerging new variants. These findings underscore the need for further studies to confirm the hypothesis.

The results have immediate practical application, offering critical information for dog owners and veterinarians. “The applicability of the results is immediate due to the practical nature of the article. The data reinforce the importance of canine parvovirus occurrence, suggest regional seasonality different from other areas of the country, and emphasize the importance of completing the vaccination schedule for young dogs. Therefore, both owners and clinicians can benefit from this information and implement measures to prevent new cases,” explained researcher Mário Celso Sperotto Brum.

To read the article, access

LEAL, C.B., et al. Genetic characterization and predominance of the new CPV-2a variant in clinical cases of canine parvovirus in the western region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Ciência Rural [online]. 2024, vol. 54, no. 8 [viewed 6 March 2025]. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20230386. Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cr/a/ckV5cgSxHTTN8sgGNHJQYFF/

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