Incidence of Enteropathogens

A study examined the prevalence and risk factors for infection with enteropathogens in dogs frequenting dog parks. Fecal specimens were collected from three‐hundred dogs attending 3 regional dog parks in Northern California. Specimens were analyzed by fecal centrifugation flotation, DFA, and PCR for detection of 11 enteropathogens. Giardia genotyping was performed for assemblage determination.

Results indicated that enteropathogens were detected in 114/300 dogs (38%), of which 62 (54%) did not have diarrhea. Frequency of dog park attendance correlated significantly with fecal consistency but did not correlate with enteropathogen detection. Twenty‐seven dogs (9%) were infected with Giardia, and genotyping revealed nonzoonotic assemblages C and D. The frequency of Giardia detection on fecal flotation was significantly lower at the commercial laboratory versus the university laboratory, and PCR for Giardia was negative in 11/27 dogs (41%) that were positive on fecal flotation or DFA.