A serological survey of rural dogs and cats on the southwestern Canadian prairie for zoonotic pathogens.

A survey for antibodies against agents of plague, tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), and against Sin Nombre hantavirus (SNV), Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae was conducted in the summer of 1995 using serum from rural dogs and cats living in the vicinity of four public parks in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. Antibodies to all pathogens were detected in all survey areas. Overall prevalence rates were 0.075 for Yersinia pestis, 0.089 for Francisella tularensis, 0.025 for Rickettsia rickettsii (dogs only), and 0.029, 0.178 and 0.186 for SNV, B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae, respectively (cats only). This serological survey of rural dogs and cats was more sensitive and efficient than previous surveys based on collection and culture of rodents and ectoparasites. All six pathogens appear endemic to the region. Surveillance for plague, tularemia, RMSF and SNV, and management of associated public risks should be done in endemic regions.