Outbreak of Severe Vomiting in Dogs Associated with a Canine Enteric Coronavirus, United Kingdom.

Alan D Radford,David A Singleton,Charlotte Appleton,Shirley Smith,Eleanor G Bentley,Beth Brant,Sam Haldenby,Chris Jewell,Carmen Tamayo Cuartero,Danielle Greenberg,Alison C Hale,Fernando Sánchez-Vizcaíno,Richard Newton,Gina L Pinchbeck,James P Stewart,Barry Rowlingson,P.-J M Noble

doi:10.3201/eid2702.202452

Abstract

The lack of population health surveillance for companion animal populations leaves them vulnerable to the effects of novel diseases without means of early detection. We present evidence on the effectiveness of a system that enabled early detection and rapid response a canine gastroenteritis outbreak in the United Kingdom. In January 2020, prolific vomiting among dogs was sporadically reported in the United Kingdom. Electronic health records from a nationwide sentinel network of veterinary practices confirmed a significant increase in dogs with signs of gastroenteric disease. Male dogs and dogs living with other vomiting dogs were more likely to be affected. Diet and vaccination status were not associated with the disease; however, a canine enteric coronavirus was significantly associated with illness. The system we describe potentially fills a gap in surveillance in neglected populations and could provide a blueprint for other countries.

Highlights

The lack of population health surveillance for companion animal populations leaves them vulnerable to the effects of novel diseases without means of early detection
For the response we describe, we obtained data from syndromic surveillance and text mining of electronic health records (EHRs) collected from sentinel veterinary practices and diagnostic laboratories, which we linked with data from field epidemiology and enhanced genomic testing
Syndromic Surveillance On the basis of main presenting complaint (MPC) identified in the EHRs, we found a specific and significant increase in the number of dogs recorded as exhibiting gastroenteric signs; the final 10 weeks, during December 2019– March 2020, were outside the 99% CrI

Summary

Introduction

The lack of population health surveillance for companion animal populations leaves them vulnerable to the effects of novel diseases without means of early detection. We present evidence on the effectiveness of a system that enabled early detection and rapid response to a canine gastroenteritis outbreak in the United Kingdom. In January 2020, prolific vomiting among dogs was sporadically reported in the United Kingdom. Electronic health records from a nationwide sentinel network of veterinary practices confirmed a significant increase in dogs with signs of gastroenteric disease. For the response we describe, we obtained data from syndromic surveillance and text mining of EHRs collected from sentinel veterinary practices and diagnostic laboratories, which we linked with data from field epidemiology and enhanced genomic testing. Ethics approval was given by Liverpool University Research Ethics Committees (Liverpool, UK; VREC922/RETH000964)

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Results

Conclusion