Investigation of prevalence and risk factors of Parvovirus infection in dogs in Erzurum province, Turkey

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of canine parvovirus (CPV) infection in dogs that were presented to Animal Hospital of Atatürk University and housed in shelter. Materials and Methods: The samples were obtained from 83 dogs kept animal shelter and 17 dogs presented animal hospital showing clinical signs of CPV infection. The 40 stool samples of 100 dogs (40%) examined by the rapid test were positive for the presence of CPV, and the 60 stool samples (60%) were negative. Results: In this study, it was determined that there was an important association between the presence of CPV and vaccination status, housing place, cleanliness frequency of housing place, anthelmintic treatment as well as anorexia, vomiting, dehydration and abdominal pain findings. Conclusion: All the dogs in this study were young (1.5 to 7.5 months’ age range) and had contact with free-roaming stray dogs outside the house and garden. Thus, contact with stray dogs might play an important role in the increased prevalence of CPV. Also, the effective prevention practices should be implemented considering risk factors and common circulation of CPV infection in Erzurum province.