Seropositivity of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in Dogs Presenting at Abeokuta, Nigeria

Background: Canine distemper (CD) is a highly contagious, multi-systemic, and potentially fatal viral disease that was once recognized as the leading cause of death in dogs. Aims: This study was carried out to detect canine distemper virus (CDV) in plasma and serum samples of vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The usefulness of a commercially available rapid canine distemper virus antigen test kits was also evaluated to determine the seropositivity of CDV in dogs. Methods: Rapid canine distemper virus antigen test kits ® were used to detect the presence of CDV in dogs presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, FUNAAB, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Forty dogs were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected from 40 dogs and screened for CDV and evaluation of post-vaccination immunity to CDV. Results: The age range of all the dogs sampled were from 3 months to 10 years. Of the 40 dogs tested, 3(7.5%) were positive for CDV and 37(92.5%) were negative. CDV was only detected in plasma samples and none in serum samples. Among 25(62.5%) dogs with known history of vaccination, 3(12.0%) were positive for CDV. None (0.0%) of the 4(10.0%) unvaccinated dogs and 11(27.5%) with unknown history of vaccination had CDV. Higher prevalence was observed in females (12.5%) than males (4.5%). CDV was only present in Boerboel (33.3%) and Alsatian breeds (5.6%). CDV was also present in apparently healthy dogs (9.7%). Conclusions: This study has further confirms the presence of CDV in 7.5% of the dogs in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The study showed significant association (p< 0.05) with age, sex, breeds, vaccination, health status, sample types and CDV seropositivity. This study further confirms the efficacy of rapid canine distemper virus antigen test kits in the detection of CDV in plasma of dogs.