Introduction

Abstract

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a new virus that was first reported early in 1978, responsible for scattered outbreaks of enteric disease in domestic dog populations of all ages. Within a few months this virus had crossed national and continental boundaries. It passed through quarantine barriers, causing many fatalities, at first in animals in breeding and boarding kennels, puppy farms and research facilities, later spreading to home-based dogs. By 1981, enteric disease caused by CPV had become world-wide, and a second manifestation, myocarditis, was recognised in young puppies only. At the time of its sudden appearance in 1978, canine populations simply had no immunity to CPV, and it consequently led to a disease of epizootic status with no prediliction for either sex or breed.