# Association Study on Risk Factors for Major Infectious Diseases in Dogs and Cats in Shenzhen, China

## TL;DR

This study analyzed 11 pathogens in 16,760 dogs and cats in Shenzhen, China, finding high prevalence of specific viruses and identifying risk factors like age, vaccination status, and season.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the epidemiology of feline and canine infectious diseases in Shenzhen, China.

## Key findings

- Feline Panleukopenia Virus was most prevalent in cats (35.83%), while Canine Parvovirus and Distemper Virus were most common in dogs.
- Unvaccinated and under-1-year-old animals had higher infection risks, with increased incidence in winter and spring.
- Age and season were significant risk factors for most infections, while gender was associated with some.

## Abstract

From January 2022 to March 2024, a survey was conducted in Shenzhen, China to investigate 11 common pathogens in 13,134 cats and 3626 dogs, aiming to optimize disease control by understanding their epidemiological features. Among these 11 pathogens, 7 are feline-specific, and 7 are canine-specific. Feline Panleukopenia Virus (35.83%) was the most prevalent in cats, while Canine Parvovirus (54.55%) and Canine Distemper Virus (42.83%) were more prevalent in dogs. Unvaccinated, under-1-year-old animals had higher infection risks, with increased incidence in winter and spring. Age and season correlated with most infections, and gender with some. The study provides new epidemiological insights for canine and feline infectious diseases, laying a theoretical basis for targeted prevention to protect pet health and reduce transmission impacts.

This study investigated the prevalence of 11 common pathogens in dogs and cats in Shenzhen, China, from January 2022 to March 2024, aiming to enhance the understanding of their epidemiological characteristics for improved disease control strategies. Diagnostic testing for the target pathogens was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), colloidal gold test strips, or fluorescence immunoassay. Statistical analysis revealed that among 13,134 cats, Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) showed the highest prevalence (35.83%), followed by Feline Calicivirus (FCV, 26.20%), Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV, 22.00%), and Feline Herpesvirus (FHV, 15.76%). Among 3626 dogs, Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) were predominant, showing a prevalence of 54.55% and 42.83%, respectively. Risk factor analysis showed that most infections occurred in unvaccinated animals and young individuals (<1 year old), with higher incidences in winter and spring. Logistic regression indicated that sex, age, and season were significantly associated with FPV, FHV, and FIPV infections, while age and season were associated with FCV, CPV, and CDV infections (sex showed no association). This study contributes to the epidemiological knowledge of common infectious diseases in dogs and cats, providing a theoretical basis for disease prevention in dogs and cats.