Long ‐lived immunity to canine core vaccine antigens in UK dogs as assessed by an in‐practice test kit

ObjectivesTo determine the utility of an in‐practice test kit to detect protective serum antibody against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus type 2 in a sample of the UK dog population. Materials and MethodsSerum samples from 486 dogs, last vaccinated between less than 1 month and 124 months previously, were tested with the VacciCheck™ test kit for protective antibodies against distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus type 2. ResultsA high proportion of the dogs tested (93·6%) had protective antibody against all three of the core vaccine antigens: 95·7% of the dogs were seropositive against canine distemper virus, 97·3% against canine adenovirus and 98·5% against canine parvovirus type 2. The small number of dogs that were seronegative for one or more of the antigens (n = 31) may have had waning of previous serum antibody or may have been rare genetic non‐responders to that specific antigen. Clinical SignificanceUK veterinarians can be reassured that triennial revaccination of adult dogs with core vaccines provides long‐lived protective immunity. In‐practice serological test kits are a valuable tool for informing decision‐making about canine core revaccination.
Source: The Journal of Small Animal Practice - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: PAPER Source Type: research