2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Vector-borne agents detected to date likely reflect common exposure to R. sanguineus, as this tick vectors each of the PCRconfirmed agents. Further information will be gained by completion of the PCR assay analysis of the blood, fleas, and ticks. Canine group settings, locations or events where dogs temporarily come together in a shared environment (e.g., shows, sporting events, dog parks) pose an increased risk for infectious disease transmission. Despite this increased risk, few guidelines exist to provide recommendations for reducing disease risk in these settings. During 2014-2015 a panel of canine infectious disease experts reviewed the current literature and drafted a set of 44 evidence-based recommendations for prevention of infectious diseases for dogs in group settings. In August 2015 a survey of attendees at the AKC Canine Health Foundation Parent Organization conference was completed to determine agreement with and perceived barriers to these recommendations. The 15-minute self-administered survey was provided to 238 Conference attendees and consisted of a series of Likert-type and open-ended questions (online and paper format) seeking feedback on 22 of the recommendations. The survey was completed by 185 individuals (78%), and all responses were reviewed, summarized, and open-ended comments categorized by theme. Respondents self-identified as: participants, judges, and breeders in a variety of local, national, and international canine group events. Most respondents (> 40%) agreed with all but three of the panel's recommendations, yet a majority of respondents stated the recommendations would be difficult or very difficult to implement in their setting (primarily dog shows). Common survey result themes related to difficulty of implementation included: administrative concerns (cost, human resources/manpower), enforcement issues, ethical concerns, privacy concerns, and strong need for official outreach to promote awareness and education related to canine infectious diseases. Survey responses identified needs for: further refinement of recommendations to aid comprehension and clarity (especially around ecto-and endoparasite control), and education to promote culture changes related to disease risk prevention. In order to raise awareness of canine infectious disease in group settings amoungst event participants, attendees, and organizers; an online freely available canine infectious disease risk calculator tool is being developed. Mycoplasma species are one of the most common infectious causes of conjunctivitis in cats. Mycoplasma felis is commonly implicated as a primary pathogen, but other Mycoplasma species have also been detected in clinically ill cats. Findings from previous studies using conventional PCR (cPCR) to investigate the role of Mycoplasma species in causation of feline conjunctivitis have been mixed as Mycoplasma can be carried by apparently normal cats. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if increasing severity of conjunctivitis in cats correlates with higher Mycoplasma species copy numbers using qPCR.