BACKGROUND

Core vaccines for the dog are defined globally as those that protect against canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV) and canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2). Core vaccines for the cat are defined globally as those that protect against feline parvovirus (FPV), feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). In recent years there has been a transition from using these core vaccines annually to giving canine core vaccines triennially, FPV vaccine triennially and FHV/FCV vaccines either annually or triennially, depending on the risk profile of the cat (WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines 2015).

There is an absolute correlation between seropositivity to CDV, CAV and CPV2 in the dog, and FPV in the cat, and immunological protection from these diseases. Consequently, detection of serum antibody (no matter of what titre) indicates protection. Serological testing is now being used to inform decision making about use of these four core vaccine antigens in adult animals. There are several other clinical applications for such testing that are discussed in the 2015 WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines.

AIM

Asia Veterinary Diagnostics aims to provide a top-class diagnostic service to veterinarians in the region, but will also undertake relevant clinical research projects of value to the veterinary community. In advance of being able to offer you serological testing for CDV, CAV and CPV2, and FPV, we plan to run a regional investigation to generate local data related to this testing.

Specifically, this project aims to:

  1. Demonstrate that (as in other parts of the world) canine core vaccines and FPV vaccine confer robust long-lived protective immunity to dogs and cats in this region.
  2. Demonstrate that serological testing can be used to aid decision making about canine and feline core vaccination in practice.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We are asking veterinarians to submit samples directly from practice to form the basis for this study.

We are interested in receiving serum (or clotted blood samples) from healthy adult dogs and cats presenting for routine health checks including administration of core vaccines (as defined above). The animals should be 1 year of age or older and on the occasion of blood sampling, be receiving either a 12-month core ‘booster’ vaccine or an adult booster vaccine.

We are particularly interested in receiving samples from animals that may have last been vaccinated some time (i.e. years) ago; that is animals that may be presenting with ‘lapsed’ adult vaccination status.

From each dog and cat, we require the following:

  1. A clinical history to include:
  • Age, breed and sex
  • Complete vaccination history (including puppy or kitten vaccines)

2. A sample of serum or clotted blood (~2 ml)

WHAT WILL WE DO?

For each animal, we will determine whether that pet is seropositive or seronegative for the four core vaccine antigens defined above. That information will be sent back to the clinician submitting the sample. Remember that seropositivity reassures you and the owner that the pet is protected. Seronegative animals may require revaccination and retesting 4 weeks after vaccination.

These tests will be performed entirely free of charge.

We aim to accumulate data from 120 dogs and 120 cats and once collated, this will be presented back to the local veterinary community by seminar and prepared for scientific publication.

This is YOUR study, so please assist us to generate valuable local information that could improve standards of veterinary care in our region!

If you have any questions about the study, please contact Asia Veterinary Diagnostics directly.