Ocorrência de anticorpos contra o vírus da cinomose canina, parvovírus e Ehrlichia spp. em carnívoros cativos do zoológico da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Brasil

Abstract

The occurrence of antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV), parvovirus and Ehrlichia spp. in wild captive carnivores was evaluated in a zoological park in midwestern Brazil. Serum samples were collected between 2007 and 2014 from 45 carnivores, including the families Canidae, Felidae, Procyonidae and Mustelidae. Antibodies were evaluated by virus neutralization (VN) assay for CDV (cut-off: 8 VNU), hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test for parvovirus (cut-off: 80 HIU), indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) for Ehrlichia spp. (cut off: ≥ 40) and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Ehrlichia canis. Antibodies against CDV and parvovirus were detected in 75% of Canidae and Felidae (12/16). Procyonidae were negative for CDV, although one Mustelidae (Galictis cuja) was positive. One Chrysocyon brachyurus and one Cerdocyon thous presented antibodies reactive to E. canis antigens. The high antibodies rates to CDV and parvovirus suggest the contact with both pathogens, however since no clinical history of disease are registered in the Zoo-UFMT, we can presume that carnivores have responded satisfactorily against the antigens. The low serological rates observed against Ehrlichia spp. may be resulted to the low occurrence of ticks among carnivores. Additional studies are necessary to understand if the localization of the Zoo-UFMT and the close presence of domestic animals to the zoo contributes for the propagation of CDV, parvovirus and Ehrlichia in the area.