SEROPREVALENCE AGAINST CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS (CDV) IN VACCINATED SHELTER DOGS FROM BULGARIA

Canine distemper virus (CDV) belongs to the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae and is the causative agent of a multi–systemic viral disease with high morbidity and mortality in susceptible animals. Disease control is based on the widespread use of vaccination of the most vulnerable age groups. The aim of the current study was to assess the serum antibody titers against canine distemper virus in vaccinated shelter dogs. Antibody prevalence was demonstrated in 88.44% (283/320) of the vaccinated animals through modified ELISA; 11.56% (37/320) were estimated as vaccination failure. The results confirmed that the approved shelter vaccination protocol could provide a successful post vaccination antibody titer. However, the relatively high rate of failed CDV vaccinations in this study may serve as an indication of possible breakthroughs in herd immunity and the risk of a potential disease outbreak.