Serosurvey for canine distemper virus exposure in dogs in communal lands in Zimbabwe.
Sera from 173 apparently healthy, unvaccinated dogs from 4 widely separated communal lands in Zimbabwe were tested by ELISA for antibodies against canine distemper virus. Overall, 82% were positive with high prevalences found in each communal land. The highest seroprevalence was in dogs between 1 and 2 years of age (91%; 49/54). These results show dogs in the communal lands of Zimbabwe are commonly exposed to canine distemper virus and that a substantial number survive infection. The role that the virus might play in the high mortality rate of the dog population on communal land warrants further investigation.
Kelly
P J
PJ
Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. pkelly@rossvet.edu.kn
Musuka
G
G
Eoghin
G Nic
GN
Tebje-Kelly
J B U
JB
Carter
S
S
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D004216:Distemper / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004217:Distemper Virus, Canine / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral