Canine Herpes Virus and perinatal mortality

Puppy mortality can be as high as 25%, and infections are among the most common causes. Canine herpesvirus (CHV) is associated with acute disease in newborn puppies, often resulting in high mortality; however, the current situation in Sweden is not well characterized. Bitches can be vaccinated against CHV during pregnancy to protect their puppies, but practical recommendations for vaccine use remain unclear. There is also a lack of knowledge regarding risk factors and potential preventive measures to reduce CHV-related puppy mortality.

In this project, 200 puppies that have died within their first three weeks of life will be sampled, and CHV will be analyzed using real-time PCR. In a parallel study, necropsies and bacteriological analyses are being performed on the same puppies, and those findings will be correlated with the PCR results. To identify risk factors, breeders will complete a detailed questionnaire. If all analyses are negative, metagenomic approaches will be used to identify other potential agents. This project will not only increase knowledge of CHV and the etiology of puppy mortality, but also improve recommendations and breeding practices in the future.