Demographic effects of canine parvovirus on a free-ranging wolf population over 30 years

J Wildl Dis. 2008 Oct;44(4):824-36. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-44.4.824.

Abstract

We followed the course of canine parvovirus (CPV) antibody prevalence in a subpopulation of wolves (Canis lupus) in northeastern Minnesota from 1973, when antibodies were first detected, through 2004. Annual early pup survival was reduced by 70%, and wolf population change was related to CPV antibody prevalence. In the greater Minnesota population of 3,000 wolves, pup survival was reduced by 40-60%. This reduction limited the Minnesota wolf population rate of increase to about 4% per year compared with increases of 16-58% in other populations. Because it is young wolves that disperse, reduced pup survival may have caused reduced dispersal and reduced recolonization of new range in Minnesota.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn / growth & development
  • Animals, Newborn / virology
  • Animals, Wild / virology
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Male
  • Minnesota / epidemiology
  • Parvoviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Parvoviridae Infections / mortality
  • Parvoviridae Infections / transmission
  • Parvoviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Parvovirus, Canine / immunology*
  • Parvovirus, Canine / isolation & purification
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Wolves / virology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral