Seroprevalence of Canine Distemper and Canine Parvovirus Among Domestic Dogs in Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Abstract

Knowing the status of disease in domestic animals such as dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris ) in fringe areas of the national parks is important to understand the potential disease prevalance in the wildlife population. Dog populations bordering the national parks pose a potential disease risk to native wildlife. We carried out a seroprevalence study among free-ranging dogs from the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park (CNP) in Nepal. A total of 163 dogs were sampled in 2017 at two sites in buffer zone of CNP and tested for antibodies against the common canine pathogens canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) using a commercially available ELISA kit. Results indicated the prevalence of both viruses at both sites within the six month of survey. Overall seroprevalence for CDV and CPV was 17% (95% CI: 11.7-23.9%) and 33% (95% CI: 26.0-40.9%) respectively. The detection of CDV and CPV in dog population in the buffer zone pose a risk to endangered carnivores inhabiting the park, especially tigers ( Panthera tigris ), leopards ( P. pardus )and dhole ( Cuon alpinus ). Close monitoring of disease in these species is therefore warranted. Surveillance through the opportunistic sampling of all wild carnivores and thorough investigation of all carcass should be continued.

Keywords: Free Roaming Dogs, Canine Distemper virus, Canine Parvovirus, Chitwan National Park, Tiger