Investigation of Canine Distemper Virus Infection in Dogs in the Antalya Province

Abstract

Canine distemper virus is one of the most prevalent infectious agents causing severe clinical symptoms among canids. Communal life-habitat for example clinics, dog-shelters, or rural areas is critical in terms of the transmission dynamics of CDV. In this study, blood samples from 92 dogs, aged 2 to 12 months, that were brought to the Rehabilitation Center and private veterinary clinics in Antalya with various internal medical problems were examined for Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) infection. Samples were tested using commercial immunochromatographic rapid test for detection of CDV-antigens and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for detection of CDV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. 
 The most common clinical findings in the 92 dogs sampled were mucopurulent discharge in the eye (45.65%), nasal hyperkeratosis (35.87%), nasal mucopurulent discharge (25%), cough (13.04%), diarrhea (8.70%), and fatigue (6.52%). It was observed that clinical findings were more intense in the early reconvalescent period. 5.43% (5/92) of the samples examined by immunochromatographic rapid test were positive. The positivity rates of IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA were 19.56% (18/92) and 94.56% (87/92), respectively. Of the 92 dogs tested by ELISA for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies, 91 (98.91%) were positive for one or both IgG or IgM antibodies, and 1 (1.09%) was negative for both antibodies. 
 In conclusion, it was determined that CDV infection is actively circulating in the Antalya province and poses a risk for unvaccinated dogs in the region.