Canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia are highly contagious and often fatal diseases reported worldwide and caused respectively by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), including its three variants (CPV-2a, 2b, 2c), and feline parvovirus (FPV). Even in subjects vaccinated against these infections, the occurrence of the infection is frequent. No surveillance system for these infections exists in Italy.
Aim of the present work was to validate a questionnaire used to conduct a survey to collect the opinion of Vets with regards to: a) risk factors for these infections; b) severity of these infections in the dog and cat; c) control measures applied; e) diagnostic techniques used. Finally, the questionnaire investigated the inclination of Vets to participate in the creation of an information surveillance system for parvovirus infections in dogs and cats. The questionnaire was administered to 32 Vets of Central Italy. The preliminary results of the survey were analyzed.
The critical points identified were the identification of risk factors, the diagnostic approach and the prevention of parvovirus infections. The majority of Vets declared to be interested in the establishment of a surveillance system for these infections.