VIRAL ANTIBODIES IN COYOTES FROM CALIFORNIA

Prevalence of antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV), canine diste mper virus (CDV), and canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV) were determined a mong 152 coyotes (Canis latrans) at the Naval Petroleum Reserves (NPRC ; California, USA) from 1985 to 1990. Overall prevalence of antibodies to CPV. CDV, and CAV was 66%, 37%, and 68% respectively. Prevalence o f CPV and CDV varied significantly among years. Antibody prevalence di d not differ between sexes for any disease, but did vary significantly among age classes and was lowest for pups (<1-y-old). Among pups, ant ibody prevalence increased with age for all three diseases. Coyotes ar e a potential source of viral exposure for endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica), but variation in coyote abundance did not appear to influence antibody prevalence among kit foxes.