Seroprevalence of canid alphaherpesvirus-1 and associated risk factors in domestic dogs in North Queensland, Australia

Canid alphaherpesvirus-1 (CaHV-1) may cause a highly fatal haemorrhagic disease in neonatal pups and is associated with reproductive, respiratory and ocular disease in older dogs. Although assumed to have a world-wide distribution, there have been few reports of CaHV-1 in Australia. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of CaHV-1 in household dogs in a residential suburb in Townsville, as well as in dogs attending two dog shows in the region. Study participants were recruited through door-to-door non-probability sampling (Douglas dogs, n = 185) or invited to participate (Show dogs; n = 76). Dog owners completed a questionnaire that investigated possible risk factors for recent exposure to CaHV-1. A serum sample from each dog was assayed for anti-CaHV-1 antibodies using a commercially available ELISA. Associations between seropositive dogs and owner-reported risk factors were analysed using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression models. The seroprevalence of CaHV-1 was 11.4 % (95 % CI 6.8–15.9 %) and 17.1 % (95 % CI 5.5–28.8) for the Douglas and Show dogs, respectively, with a pooled seroprevalence of 13 % (95 % CI 8.3–17.7 %). Dogs that had suffered from conjunctivitis within the previous 3 months or were involved in breeding were more likely to be seropositive to CaHV-1. No other significant risk factors were identified. In conclusion, CaHV-1 is circulating in dogs in North Queensland and may be contributing to foetal and neonatal losses in this region.