Research on the presence of viral infections in dogs in dog shelters from Eastern Romania (Botoșani, Iași and Vaslui Counties)

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the presence of viral infections in dogs in paddocks in eastern Romania (Botoșani, Iasi and Vaslui counties). The research was focused on the analysis of diagnostic methods used in paddocks to identify infectious agents, the analysis of predisposing factors, as well as the analysis of measures to monitor and combat infections in the shelter. Most cases of viral diseases (5,000) were observed in the case of a shelter in Iasi County. Canine parvovirus was the most common viral disease among dogs in the three counties included in the study, the incidence of this disease ranging between 28.18% and 100%. Cases of Carre's disease, infectious hepatitis and kennel cough were also diagnosed in the paddocks included in the study, but their incidence was significantly lower. Among the main recommendations for preventing canine parvovirus infection are avoiding contact between sick and healthy animals, as well as avoiding frequenting of contaminated areas by their young pathways. In the case of the dog shelter located in Botoșani, the impossibility of ensuring a proper quarantine before introducing the puppies into the shelter, led to a mortality of 87.91% among the youth. The present results suggest that there were outbreaks of canine parvovirus in the shelters included in this study, with CPV being the primary pathogen in all three shelters. Due to the significant losses caused by viruses and the high costs of treating sick animals, there is a need for early diagnosis and the application of well-defined immunoprophylaxis measures in shelters. This study reinforces the importance of immunization to ensure the welfare of dogs in public and private shelters.