Abstract

S. C. Chollom, E. J. Fyaktu, A. E. J. Okwor i, G. O. A. Agada , G. Hashimu , R. Y. Akele, E. I. Voumangai , T. Dashe and D. Z. Egah

Canine parvovirus (CPV) remains the most significant viral cause of enteritis in puppies over the age of two months. This study was meant to detect the virus by targeting the VP2 gene, a 583 bp gene (nucleotide 4003 to 4585) of the capsid protein. The detection of the virus was carried out by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on one hundred and nine samples. Seventy five of these were rectal swabs while thirty four were necropsy tissues, all from dogs presenting with symptoms suggestive of parvovirus enteritis from veterinary clinics in Jos metropolis. Results revealed that 47.70% of the samples were found to be positive for the virus. The rate of detection was more in necropsy tissues (64.71%) relative to rectal swabs (40.00%). A breakdown of the incidence of the infection across breeds of dogs showed that the Rottweillers had 60.00%, Doberman pinchers had 54.54%, Pitbulls had 53.33% while Tan coloured and local breeds of dogs had 50.00 and 21.42%, respectively. With a prevalence rate of 47.70%, the findings have confirmed that the virus is circulating in Jos, Nigeria. As such, stake holders must quickly intervene to arrest the situation given the high economic losses associated with the disease