Description
Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) causes an acute, highly contagious enteritis of mainly young, unvaccinated dogs, characterised by anorexia, depression, vomiting and foul-smelling diarrhoea that is often haemorrhagic. This leads to rapid dehydration and potentially sepsis and death. Transmission is primarily faeco-oral via ingestion of virus shed in large quantities in the faeces of infected dogs, with the virus persisting for long periods in the environment and spreading readily via direct dog-to-dog contact and contaminated fomites such as kennels, equipment, clothing and by hand.
Diagnosis is based on signalment and compatible clinical signs in a high risk dog, supported by leukopaenia and confirmation of viral antigen or DNA in faeces.
The UlfaQTM PCR allows rapid detection of parvoviral antigenic DNA in faecal samples allowing prompt treatment and barrier nursing and hygiene precautions.
