| Canine Parainfluenza |
Canine Parainfluenza Virus 2 (CPiV) is responsible for causing a contagious respiratory tract infection of dogs called infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB) which is also known as "kennel cough". virus is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae kennel cough can form from an infection with CPiV alone, however is more commonly found as a result of multiple agent infections that include canine adenovirus 2 (CAV-2) and a bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica CPiV is among the most common viruses isolated from the respiratory tract of dogs with ITB (Ford, Vaden, 1998) virus will invade the epithelium (the superficial layer) of the upper respiratory tract and damage it which will allow other infectious agents to move in infections are usually localized to the respiratory tract because CPiV does not multiply in blood cells, thus preventing its spread your pet can get CPiV most commonly from direct dog-to-dog contact or through the air containing virus from secretions of infected dogs Clinical Signs Infection from CPiV (or any other of the causing agents) alone will usually result in a milder form of the disease characterized by sudden onset of a cough, nasal/eye discharges and a fever; these symptoms will most often resolve on their own infection from any combination of the possible causative agents will cause a more serious disease that may include conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, inappetince, and lethargy; there are no available anti-viral treatments for these cases so your pet may be treated to just help alleviate the symptoms Prevalence and Population Susceptibility CPiV has a world-wide distribution and its prevalence in the canine population is high but variable (Greene, 1998) the virus does not survive in the environment for extended periods of time therefore, although all dogs are susceptible, those in areas where there are higher densities of dogs will be more at risk eg. pet shops, boarding facilities, kennels Zoonotic Risk CPiV is very closely related to the human and monkey/ape parainfluenza viruses, however the ability of these viruses to transmit to different hosts has yet to be established Methods of Prevention and Control Vaccinations should be given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, and boostered annually after this point management of infected animals is the only means of preventing further infections infected animals should be isolated, facilities should be cleaned thoroughly with a dilute bleach solution, and in kennel or boarding facilities adequate air ventilation is necessary. |
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