Infection rate of canine parvovirus in dogs presented at private veterinary clinics in Baghdad city

Background: Canine parvovirus is the primary etiology of hemorrhagic diarrhea and mortality in puppies worldwide. Aim: This study was designed to investigate canine parvovirus in dogs in Baghdad by rapid testing. Methods: Rectal swabs were collected from 864 dogs presenting at sixteen private veterinary clinics with clinical signs including vomiting, anorexia, nausea, and regurgitation. All dogs were subjected to detailed clinical, physical, and laboratory investigations from early October 2021 until April 2023. Results: A total of 127 dogs were positive for parvovirus using the rapid test. The total infection rate of CPV was 14.69%, with a higher infection rate recorded in dogs less than 6 months and 3 months of age at 44.09% and 41.73%, respectively. A significant infection rate was reported in male dogs compared with female dogs, and the Terrier breed showed a higher infection rate than the other breeds included in this study. Fever was present in 78.33% of infected dogs as well as another clinical signs related to CPV infection. The infection rate was 71.65% in vaccinated dogs and 28.35% in unvaccinated dogs. After the treatment steps, 87.4% of the infected dogs recovered, and 12.6% of the infected dogs died. Conclusion: CPV is circulating in dogs in Baghdad city, and unvaccinated dogs younger than 6 months were most susceptible to the virus.