The veterinary world is getting more and more worried about the spreading of the herpes virus in German Kennels.
Artificial insemination, which remains the most efficient way to fight against the spreading of the virus – except if the mother is already infected – is unknown in Germany. The result is that in international breeds – i.e. breeds with studs which receive in their kennel bitches from all over the world, the risks of spreading the virus are considerably multiplied. As the Merial Laboratories underline it: “Artificial Insemination with fresh or frozen semen allows to avoid contacts between reproducers, but it won’t prevent the contamination of the litter if the mother already carries the virus.
The Virology Institute – department of Veterinary Medicine – leads a study on the spreading of herpes virus in German breeding. The goal of the study is to collect reliable data to measure the infestation of the stock. Here is their release about German breeders: Our study was based particularly the kennels, as they are the most threatenedby the virus. The canine herpes virus 1 (CHV1) was first identified in the 60’s I, in the USA in new-born puppies suffering from very serious pathologies. The CHV1 is spread throughout the world and is the cause of considerable losses among new-born puppies in kennels (infectious neo natal mortality.) Indeed, affected puppies die only a few days after the first clinical signs. An infection appearing from the mid to the end of the gestation can cause badly formed foetuses, premature births. The data on the importance of and spreading of the epidemics are incomplete and sometimes contradictory. Recent studies in various European countries give infestation rates ranging from 40 to 88%.
You now have the opportunity to take part in this study by having tests done systematically - whether you have or not fertility or prolificacy problems – by the University of Giessen with the cooperation of your veterinary. You will therefore know whether you have or not the herpes virus in your kennel. The Virology Institute will send you directly the results.
For this stuffy, all the tests performed at the University are free, as they are done for the benefits of science. All the data remain anonymous, and will never be transmitted to anybody.
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