Abstract:
A survey of free-ranging jackals (Canis adustus and Canis mesomelas) in Zimbabwe was conducted
to determine the prevalence of serum antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus
(CPV) and canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). Sera from 16 Canis adustus and 22 Canis mesomelas
were collected from 1990 to 1993 from various regions of Zimbabwe and assayed by means of immunofluorescent
techniques. Seroprevalence in C. adustus and C. mesomelas respectively were 50% and
63,6% for CDV, 12,5% and 18,2% for CPV and 37,5 and 9,1 for CAV-1. These results demonstrate
that jackals are infected with these viruses and may act as reservoirs of them, although their susceptibility
to the viruses is not known.
