Canine coronavirus: current understanding of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical impact, and control strategies

Abstract

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is an enveloped positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae. It commonly infects dogs and is primarily associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases of variable severity. This review provides an updated knowledge regarding the etiology, epidemiology, genetic diversity, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and preventive strategies associated with CCoV infection. Two major genotypes, CCoV-I and CCoV-II, including pantropic variants, exhibit distinct biological characteristics that contribute to disease progression and clinical outcomes in dogs. Frequent mutation and recombination events particularly within the spike gene drive viral evolution and may alter host range and virulence. Although clinical disease is often mild and self-limiting in adult dogs, severe or fatal cases may occur in young puppies, immunocompromised dogs, or in the presence of co-infections with other pathogens. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics, such as qRT-PCR and multiplex PCR assays, have significantly improved the accuracy of strain differentiation and enhanced epidemiological surveillance efforts. Preventive measures rely on strict hygiene practices, targeted vaccination programs for high-risk populations, and implementation of biosecurity protocols. Ongoing genomic monitoring and research are essential to detect emerging variants with potential changes in virulence or zoonotic potential, supporting more effective control and management strategies for CCoV infection.