Serosurvey for CPV-2, distemper virus, ehrlichiosis and leishmaniosis in free-ranging dogs in Italy.

摘要: ROUGH estimates of the number free-ranging dogs in Italy (dogs that are allowed to move freely and out villages countryside) suggest population has increased from nearly 800,000 (Boitani Fabbri 1983) approximately 1·2 million (Genovesi Dupre 2000) over past 20 years. In southern Italy, mainly belong ‘guard dog’ or shepherd dog breeds (Maremmano phenotype), usually live outdoors with their flocks herds throughout year. Owners support them scrap food two three times a week, so have find other sources food, such as temporary dumps offal. These generally unvaccinated, not treated against parasites free reproduce. It been suggested represent reservoir infection for both wild canids pets living same habitat. This short communication describes study evaluate seroprevalence canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), distemper virus (CDV), Ehrlichia canis Leishmania infantum dogs, which shared environment small wolf positive serology (Italian National Wildlife Institute, unpublished data). The area was located Pollino Park Basilicata Calabria regions Italy. park an 1925 km2 mean altitude 807 m above sea level (range 100 2200 m). is divided into main geographical areas: massif centre park, Orsomarso at south west Ionic east. climate ranges continental recorded extreme Mediterranean area. A specific survey estimated there were 2000 whole national density 1·07 dogs/km2 (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 0·95 1·13 dogs/km2) (Crispino Ciucci 2002). During October 2001, April September 2002 total 131 sampled. randomly selected list livestock owners provided by Local Forestry Corp, charge issuing grazing permits. Illegal relatively common, likely be underestimated. Because expected prevalence unknown, sampling intensity designed detect 50 maximum error 10 (Barnett 1991). sex sampled field together information on area, whereas regarding age, vaccinations treatment directly owners. CPV-2 CDV seroprevalences detected commercial ELISA kit (Ingezim, Spain). Antibodies E L assayed indirect immunofluorescence tests, described Ristic others (1972) Gradoni Gramiccia (2000), respectively. Multiple logistic regression used independent variables (age, sex, area) associated seropositivity (odds ratio). Independent included model forward likelihood ratio selection (with cut-off value inclusion 0·05). fit final determined Hosmer-Lemeshow test statistic (Hosmer Lemeshow 2000). strengths association between dependent odds ratios CI 95 cent, while variability explained quantified Nagelkerke R2. Statistical analyses performed using SPSS 11.0. age ranged months 11 years, (sd) (2·6) years; male female 1·08. According owners, 14 vaccinated CPV-2. Therefore, only 117 unvaccinated analysed these infections. Out 97 (82·9 sd 4·1), 94 (80·3 4·3). Thirty had anti-E antibodies (22·9 4·8), titres ranging 1:80 1:10,240 (geometric 2178), nine anti-L (6·9 2·9), 1:2560 403). results shown Table 1. Age positively CDV. Other (sex, significantly seropositivity. Altitude variable (higher altitudes corresponded decreasing prevalence). region seroprevalence. high ratio: 1·703 1·445), irrespective areas, viruses widespread; findings often endemic situations (Anderson May ehrlichiosis similar urban rural kennels veterinary clinics (Baneth 1996, Piergili Fioretti Sainz 1996). negative could due low Rhipicephalus sanguineus, vector higher altitudes. Longevity fertility ticks reduced thermal excursion (Sweatman 1967). this allows focal diffusion vector. lower than previously observed but different habitats (Casalinuovo does optimal habitat (mainly Phlebotomus perniciosus) (Schrey 1989, Alves-Pires Ribeiro 1991) and, accordingly, few cases lowest park. Veterinary Record (2007) 160, 91-92