Seromonitoring and diagnosis of canine distemper

Abstract

The prevalence of canine distemper in three hundred and three dogs from different parts of Thrissur including 113 canine distemper suspected dogs and 190 healthy and vaccinated dogs was studied. Among 113 canine distemper suspected dogs, 11.5 per cent and 7.96 per cent had the CD viral antigen in lacrimal and nasal discharge, respectively by AGID. Counter immuno electrophoresis detected CD viral antigen in 16.81 per cent and 7.96 per cent dogs using lacrimal and nasal discharge, respectively. Canine distemper inclusions were detected in corneal impression smears of 3.53 per cent dogs by Giemsa staining and CD viral antigens were detected in 62.83 per cent cases of suspected dogs by indirect immunoperoxidase test. AGID and CIEP detected canine distemper viral antibody in 7.96 per cent cases of CD suspected dogs. Healthy and vaccinated dogs showed negative reaction. Out of 303 dogs tested by indirect ELISA 66~66 per cent dogs had the protective level of antibody against CDV. Among 104 seropositive dogs of CD suspected, the antibody titres of -.:

1:100, 1:200, 1:400, 1:800 and 1:1600 were present in 22 (21.15 per cent), 18 (17.3 per cent), 11 (10.57 per cent), 17 (16.34 per cent) and 36 (34.61 per cent) cases, respectively. In the 15 seropositive dogs which were vaccinated against CD, the antibody titres of 1:100, 1:200 and 1:400 were present in 3 (20 per cent), 5 (33.33 per cent) and 7 (46.66 per cent) cases, respectively. The healthy dogs screened for the presence of CD viral antibody, 83 (48 per cent) cases were positive to CD and the antibody titres of 1:100, 1:200 and 1:400 were present in 36 (43.37 per cent), 33 (39.76 per cent) and 14 (16.86 per cent) cases, respectively. More seropositive dogs were recorded in the dogs below 3 years of age and in male dogs. Among the breeds, Alsatian were more affected. Seasonal prevalence in the present study was higher during May, June and July followed by January and February.