The emergence of novel strains and evolution of canine parvovirus 2 in the United States

Canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) is a major canine pathogen that is found all over the world. It is a non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus approximately 26 nm in size. This virus was first reported in 1978 and has evolved with its canine host over the course of thirty years. Canine parvovirus is an important veterinary pathogen that typically affects puppies and causes hemorrhagic diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and death. New variants of CPV-2 can now be found circulating in the United States that have previously not been described. The emergence of new variants provides evidence of Canine parvovirus evolution in the United States.