CANINE HERPESVIRUS DISEASE

Canine herpesvirus is an alphaherpesvirus responsible for an infectious and contagious disease associated with reproductive disorders. This virus may also be involved in the "kennel cough" syndrome. After contamination, the infected animal undergoes a seroconversion and becomes seropositive. Then, if its immunity is strong enough to control the infection, the virus becomes integrated to the cell DNA and the dog becomes seronegative. The virus becomes latent in various organs and may be reactivated at any moment under conditions of stress or immunodepression. This virus seems highly prevalent worldwide, although seroprevalence studies are not very reliable as many infected animals are seronegative at the time of blood sampling (frequent latency). Reactivation appears to be more frequent in large kennels due to stress and poor hygiene. Serological diagnosis is difficult to interpret and is more useful to characterise the overall status of a kennel rather than for individual diagnosis. Identification of viral DNA by PCR is currently the best method. Hygiene is a key factor in prevention. A vaccine is available in some countries, and seroprevention may be used in kennels at risk.