Severe enteric disease in an animal shelter associated with dual infections by canine adenovirus type 1 and canine coronavirus

An outbreak of dual infection in dogs with canine adenovirus type I (CAV-1) and canine coronavirus (CCV) infection is reported in an animal shelter th at comprised approximately 200 adults stray dogs and 30 puppies. Twenty pup pies died 7-8 days after the onset of the clinical signs (severe enteritis, leucopoenia, respiratory distress and dehydration). Both CAV-1 and CCV wer e isolated from tissue or swab samples. Antibodies to CCV and, at high leve ls, to CAV-1 also were detected in several puppies. The principal histologi cal findings were atrophy of small intestinal villi, lymphoid depletion, he patitis and bronchopneumonia. The persistence of CCV in the faeces, observe d by the polymerase chain reaction assay, was longer than previously report ed. Results demonstrated the serious consequences which may occur with dual infections by CAV-1 and CCV in assembled groups of dogs that are housed in poorly managed kennels with inadequate vaccination program-mes.