Objectives: Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) is a group 2 coronavirus and is one of the pathogens aetiologically involved inacute tracheobronchitis in dogs, often referred to as “kennel cough” [1]. Since its discovery in 2004, the virus has been shown to be widely distributed across the world [2]. There is limited data available on epidemiology of CRCoV in New Zealand [3]. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of, and risk factors for, CRCoV infection in New Zealand dogs.
Methods: About 100 serum samples were randomly selected every month (March to December 2014) from submissions at a diagnostic laboratory. Sera were analysed for the presence of CRCoV by a commercially available competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, which uses a closely related bovine coronavirus antigen. Data were analysed using logistic regression to perform univariate and multivariate analyses. Variables such as respiratory signs, month, breed group, age, sex and region were investigated for their association with the serological status of the dog.
Results: A total of 1050 sera were examined, which were from dogs from all regions of New Zealand. Of those, 51% were found to be seropositive for CRCoV. Older dogs were significantly more likely to be seropositive compared to younger dogs. Samples collected from dogs during colder months were less likely to be positive for CRCoV antibodies compared to those collected during warmer months. The odds of having CRCoV antibodies were 4 times higher in dogs with respiratory disease than in clinically normal dogs. No association was found between CRCoV seropositivity and sex, breed groups or geographical region.
Conclusions: Our data contribute to understanding of the epidemiology of pathogens involved in kennel cough in New Zealand. Further understanding the dynamics of CRCoV transmission within dog population may inform the development of future kennel cough vaccines.