The Swedish canine parvovirus epidemic - an epidemiological study in a dog population of defined size

As part of the worldwide spread of canine parvovirus (CPV) infections, this infection hit Sweden in 1979. An estimated 10 000 dogs may have been infected. The disease was made notifiable, and all epidemiological actions against the disease were led centrally. During the epidemic, 144 000 dogs, or 24% of the dog population in Sweden, was vaccinated. Based on the number of reported cases, retrospective studies of records at animal hospitals and repeated serological examinations, a significant increase in the frequency of gastroenteritis could be demonstrated only in some parts of the country. The amount of CPV-vaccine sold to the different counties was determined. Based on these studies in the well defined dog population (no stray dogs), it could be estimated that under the circumstances existing in Sweden an epidemic of CPV-infection might start when the number of susceptible dogs exceeds 12/km² and stop when the corresponding figure falls to 6/km².