Korean J Vet Res.  2017 Dec;57(4):209-214. 10.14405/kjvr.2017.57.4.209.

Detection of viral infections in wild Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis)

• Yang DK
• Lee SH
• Kim HH
• Kim JT
• Ahn S
• Cho IS

• KMID: 2401289
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14405/kjvr.2017.57.4.209

Abstract

Wild raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) may play a role transmitting several pathogens to humans and pet animals. Information concerning the incidence of rabies, canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine adenovirus type 2 (CAdV-2), canine parainfluenza virus type 5 (CPIV-5), and canine herpesvirus (CHV) is needed in wild raccoon dogs. In total, 62 brain samples of raccoon dogs were examined for rabies virus (RABV) and CDV, and 49 lung samples were screened for CDV, CAdV-2, CPIV-5, and CHV. No RABV, CAdV-2, CPIV-5, or CHV was identified, but nine CDV antigens (8.1%, 9/111) were detected. Moreover, 174 serum samples from wild raccoon dogs were screened for antibodies against the five major viral pathogens. The overall serosurveillance against CDV, CPV, CAdV-2, CPIV-5, and CHV in wild raccoon dogs was 60.3%, 52.9%, 59.8%, 23.6%, and 10.3%, respectively. Comparisons of the sero-surveillance of the five pathogens showed that raccoon dogs of Gyeonggi province have slightly higher sero-positive rates against CDV, CPV, and CHV than those of Gangwon province. These results indicate high incidences of CDV, CPV, and CAdV-2 in wild raccoon dogs of two Korean provinces and a latent risk of pathogen transmission to companion and domestic animals.

Keyword

canine distemper; rabies; raccoon dogs; sero-surveillance

MeSH Terms

Adenoviruses, Canine
Animals
Animals, Domestic
Antibodies
Brain
Disease Transmission, Infectious
Distemper
Distemper Virus, Canine
Friends
Gangwon-do
Gyeonggi-do
Humans
Incidence
Lung
Paramyxoviridae Infections
Parvovirus, Canine
Rabies
Rabies virus
Raccoon Dogs*
Raccoons*
Antibodies