Field Test for Canine Parvovirus (CPV) for Dogs

posted on 06/22/2011

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easy, rapid field test for canine parvovirus in dogs

An easy, rapid, field test for the presence & amount of CPV in feces as well as antibodies in the blood.

Parvovirus or Parvo, is life threatening virus that affects dogs. It is the most common viral disease in dogs. It primarily affects puppies. The most common age for infection is between 2-6 months of age, however, infection can occur at any age & all breeds are susceptible to this virus. Some breeds such as Dobermans, Rottweilers and Labradors are more susceptible to Parvo than others. It is not known why. Current tests detect CPV in fecal samples only, are costly, unable to indentify new strains of the virus, are slow to process & require special instrumentation.  Therefore, there is a need for better diagnostic tests for Parvo, especially since more than 48.3 million households in the U.S. have dogs for pets (source: APPA).Thanks to the researchers at Oklahoma State University, they have developed a patent-pending diagnostic kit for detecting Canine Parovirus that provides two instant tests for the presence & amount of CPV in feces as well as antibodies in the blood.What makes this test work is that it uses porcine (pig) erythrocytes, which are natural receptors of the CPV virus & react when brought into contact with the CPV antibodies. The test functions at a very wide range of temperature (4-37C), at a very wide range of pH (3.00-8.00), is simple & can be done in 60 seconds.  Compared to present tests, this new test is sensitive, specific, 98% accurate, cost-effective, & generic for detecting all strains of CPV.  It is robust, works under field conditions & does not require special education or training. The test method has been validated in laboratory testing. In fact, one of the tests can also be used for environmental surfaces, testing if CPV is present in a specific area & if it needs to be cleaned.  This test kit will have an enormous impact in diagnosis of CPV.  A faster, accurate diagnosis means the lives of millions of puppies & dogs can be saved that otherwise might have perished.Also, with modifications to this technology, it can be useful for any situation where rapid, low-cost, low technology screening is needed for other significant viruses such as influenza A & SARS corona virus.