Canine parvovirus infection in housed raccoon dogs and foxes in Finland.

An outbreaks of severe enteritis occurred among young raccoon dogs on fur farms in eastern Finland. Post mortem examinations revealed gross and microscopic lesions which were typical of parvovirus infections described in cats, mink and dogs. The intestine was dilatated, oedematous and the normal villi were significantly reduced. A parvovirus was isolated from faeces and found to resemble canine parvovirus by its ability to haemagglutinate pig erythrocytes at pH 7.2 and its antigenic properties. Experimental inoculations showed that both housed raccoon dogs and foxes are susceptible.