Evaluation of a Community’s Risk for Canine Parvovirus and Distemper Using Antibody Testing and GIS Mapping of Animal Shelter Intakes

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify where dogs with negative antibody tests to canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) originated when entering a community shelter, using a commercially available ELISA antibody test and Geographic Information Systems mapping. Of 2745 canines entering during a three-month period, 1056 test results were obtained. Dogs or puppies weighing over 2 lb were eligible if they could be humanely, nonchemically restrained for phlebotomy. Age and minor health issues weren't exclusions. Dogs were excluded if trained personnel were concerned health would be compromised by phlebotomy. Blood samples were collected within 24 hours of entry. Four hundred and twenty-seven (40%) dogs had positive antibody test results for both viruses, 422 (40%) were positive for CPV, 37 (4%) were positive for CDV, and 170 (16%) were negative for both. Mapping revealed geographic patterns for dogs with negative antibody tests. This shelter admitted dogs with negative CPV and/or CDV antibody tests from defined community areas. Targeting vaccination efforts in communities to areas where dogs with negative antibody tests originate could be an effective wellness strategy.

KEYWORDS:

• Parvo
• distemper
• GIS
• animal shelter

Acknowledgments

We thank Greg Miller (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [ASPCA]) and Kyle Winslow for assistance with the Geographic Information Systems maps, and we thank Dina Trefethen (ASPCA) for assistance with data management. We also wish to acknowledge Zoetis for the TiterCHEK canine distemper virus/canine parvovirus test kits and Jillian Brooks (Zoetis) for laboratory assistance.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Zoetis, LLC and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.