Screening for canine coronavirus, canine influenza virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in dogs during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic

Research (Published online: 13-09-2023)

1. Screening for canine coronavirus, canine influenza virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in dogs during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic

Hércules Otacílio Santos, Eliane Macedo Sobrinho Santos, Hérica da Silva de Oliveira, Wagner Silva dos Santos, Arthur Almeida Tupy, Elber Gomes Souza, Rair Ramires, Ana Clara Orneles Luiz, and Anna Christina de Almeida

Veterinary World, 16(9): 1772-1780

Hércules Otacílio Santos: Campus Araçuaí, Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais, Araçuaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Eliane Macedo Sobrinho Santos: Campus Araçuaí, Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais, Araçuaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Hérica da Silva de Oliveira: Campus Araçuaí, Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais, Araçuaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Wagner Silva dos Santos: Campus Araçuaí, Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais, Araçuaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Arthur Almeida Tupy: Espaço PET Clínica Veterinária, Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Elber Gomes Souza: Clínica Veterinária e Pet Shop Neres e Souza, Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Rair Ramires: Zecão pet shop clínica veterinária, Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Ana Clara Orneles Luiz: Prefeitura Municipal, Araçuaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Anna Christina de Almeida: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Background and Aim: Although most cases of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are in humans, there is scientific evidence to suggest that the virus can also infect dogs and cats. This study investigated the circulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), canine coronavirus (CCV), and canine influenza virus (CIV) in domiciled and/or stray dogs from different locations in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods: In total, 86 dogs living in homes, on the streets, or in shelters in the cities of Taiobeiras, Salinas, Araçuaí, and Almenara were randomly selected for this study. The COVID Ag Detect® Self-Test was used to detect SARS-CoV-2. The ACCUVET CCV AG TEST – CANINE CORONAVIROSIS® was used to detect CCV, whereas canine influenza was detected using the ACCUVET CIV AG TEST – INFLUENZA CANINA®. All collected data were mapped using QGIS 3.28.1 for spatial data analysis and the identification of disease distribution patterns. Descriptive analysis of the collected data, prevalence calculations, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals, when possible, was performed.

Results: Of the 86 animals tested, only one dog tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using the rapid test for viral antigen detection. No animals tested positive for CIV. Canine coronavirus was detected in almost half of the animals tested in Almenara. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 had a low prevalence (1.16%), versus 15.62% for CCV. Although the results were not significant, the age and breed of animals appeared to be associated with the occurrence of CCV. The results indicated that younger animals were 2.375-fold more likely to be infected. Likewise, purebred animals were more likely to contract the disease (OR = 1.944).

Conclusion: The results indicate the need to maintain preventive measures against CCV, canine influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 in dogs. More studies are needed to better elucidate the panorama of these diseases in dogs, mainly in underdeveloped and developing countries.