Research about Superior National Forest, Yellowstone National Park

Use of real-time PCR to detect canine parvovirus in feces of free-ranging wolves

Using real-time PCR, we tested 15 wolf ( Canis lupus ) feces from the Superior National Forest (SNF), Minnesota, USA, and 191 from Yellowstone National Park (YNP), USA, collected during summer and 13 during winter for canine parvovirus (CPV)-2 DNA. We also tested 20 dog feces for CPV-2 DNA. The PCR assay was 100% sensitive and specific with a minimum detection threshold of 10 4 50% tissue culture infective dose. Virus was detected in two winter specimens but none of the summer specimens. We suggest applying the technique more broadly especially with winter feces.