Prevalence of Feline Panleukopenia Virus in Cats in Duhok Province, Iraq

THE current study targeted evaluation the prevalence of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in cats in Duhok province-Iraq, using immunochromatography assay (ICA) as a rapid test, indirect enzyme immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) and conventional polymerase chain reaction (c-PCR). Moreover, determining the compatibility, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between the different diagnostic techniques. A total of 100 fecal swab samples were collected from 52 household cats and 48 stray cats in various regions in Duhok province and tested using Rapid test and c-PCR, also 100 blood samples were drawn from cephalic and/or saphenous veins of same cats and tested using i-ELISA. The overall prevalence of FPV was 40%, 66% and 70% using rapid test, i-ELISA and c-PCR technique respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in stray cats compared with household cats according to all tests used in this study. A moderate compatibility observed between rapid test and c-PCR based on Kappa value (0.440) with sensitivity 57.14%, specificity 100% and accuracy 70% of rapid test compared with c-PCR. Moreover, Fair compatibility between i-ELISA and c-PCR technique based on Kappa value (0.312) with sensitivity 75.71% , specificity 56.66%, and accuracy 70% of i-ELISA compared with c-PCR technique. It has been conclude that FPV is widespread in cats at Duhok provinceIraq. However, stray cats have a significant role in spreading of disease, and the rapid test and i-ELISA need to confirm using c-PCR technique.