ABSTRACT
A 2022 canine gastroenteritis outbreak in the United Kingdom was associated with circulation of a new canine enteric coronavirus closely related to a 2020 variant with an additional spike gene recombination. The variants are unrelated to canine enteric coronavirus-like viruses associated with human disease but represent a model for coronavirus population adaptation.
Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections , Disease Outbreaks , Dog Diseases , Gastroenteritis , Phylogeny , Animals , Dogs , Disease Outbreaks/veterinary , Dog Diseases/virology , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , United Kingdom/epidemiology , Gastroenteritis/virology , Gastroenteritis/epidemiology , Gastroenteritis/veterinary , Coronavirus Infections/veterinary , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Coronavirus, Canine/genetics , Coronavirus, Canine/classification , Humans , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/geneticsABSTRACT
The lack of population health surveillance for companion animal populations leaves them vulnerable to the effects of novel diseases without means of early detection. We present evidence on the effectiveness of a system that enabled early detection and rapid response a canine gastroenteritis outbreak in the United Kingdom. In January 2020, prolific vomiting among dogs was sporadically reported in the United Kingdom. Electronic health records from a nationwide sentinel network of veterinary practices confirmed a significant increase in dogs with signs of gastroenteric disease. Male dogs and dogs living with other vomiting dogs were more likely to be affected. Diet and vaccination status were not associated with the disease; however, a canine enteric coronavirus was significantly associated with illness. The system we describe potentially fills a gap in surveillance in neglected populations and could provide a blueprint for other countries.
