Canine Parvovirus and Feline Panleukopenia Virus: Cross-Species Transmission Risks Exposed

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at South China Agricultural University have published a new study on the molecular evolution, co-circulation patterns, and potential risks of feline parvovirus (FPV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) in cats and dogs with gastrointestinal symptoms in Southern China from 2023 to 2024. The study, published in BMC Veterinary Research, highlights novel evolutionary changes, including mutations and recombination, in FPV and CPV that drive CPV adaptation to feline hosts, elevating its epidemiological risk in cats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the molecular evolution, co-circulation patterns, and potential risks of feline parvovirus (FPV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) in cats and dogs with gastrointestinal symptoms in Southern China from 2023 to 2024.
  • A total of 356 rectal swab samples from cats and 301 from dogs were collected and tested by PCR (Polymerase chain reaction), showing that the positive rate of FPV in cats was 60.4% and that of CPV in dogs was 50.8%.
  • The study identified several novel amino acid mutations in FPV and CPV strains, including Gly31Ala, Ala300Gly, and Ala568Gly in FPV, and Glu318Pro/Asp323His/Asp505Lys and Ala537Pro in CPV.
  • Serial passage experiments of the feline-derived CPV2c-GD08-23 strain in CRFK cells showed that a reversion mutation Gly568Ala occurred by the 16th passage, and the viral titer of the 16th passage was significantly lower than that of the 15th passage.
  • The study highlights the risk of cross-species transmission between FPV and CPV, providing insights for outbreak control.
  • The study's findings suggest that mutations and recombination events may alter the spatial conformation of the VP2 protein, contributing to the adaptation of CPV to feline hosts.
  • The study also identified four potential recombination events between different viral strains, suggesting possible genetic exchange between different viral strains.

Statistics:

  • A total of 356 rectal swab samples from cats and 301 from dogs were collected and tested.
  • The positive rate of FPV in cats was 60.4%, while the positive rate of CPV in dogs was 50.8%.
  • Viral isolation yielded 14 FPV strains from cats, 2 feline-derived CPV-2c strains, and 17 canine-derived CPV strains (including 11 CPV-2c, 4 CPV-2a, and 2 CPV-2b subtypes).
  • Sequence analysis of the VP2 gene identified several novel amino acid mutations in FPV and CPV strains.

Sources:

  • BMC Veterinary Research, "Cross-species characterization of feline parvovirus and Feline-Origin canine parvovirus Southern China (2023-2024): insights into epidemiology, genetic evolution and recombination", 2025;21(1):583
  • NewsRx, "New Findings from South China Agricultural University in the Area of Canine Parvovirus Reported", Life Science Weekly, October 21, 2025; p 2863