Canine pneumovirus (CnPnV) is a respiratory virus that can cause respiratory illness in dogs. It is a type of paramyxovirus, which is a family of viruses that includes several other viruses that infect humans and animals, such as human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus.
Like other paramyxoviruses, CnPnV has a lipid-rich envelope surrounding its genome, which helps the virus to infect host cells and replicate. The envelope is composed of a lipid bilayer, which is made up of phospholipids and cholesterol, and is coated with proteins. The envelope helps the virus to evade the host immune system and allows it to enter and infect host cells. However, the lipid-rich envelope also makes it susceptible to good quality disinfectants capable of disrupting fat-soluble envelopes. Which is good news for cleaning and disinfection with this microbe.
CnPnV is a relatively new virus that is spread through respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, and nasal discharge, and it can be transmitted through direct contact with infected dogs or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms of CnPnV infection may include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and other complications. There is currently no specific treatment for CnPnV infection, and treatment is generally supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and providing supportive care.
To prevent CnPnV infection, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands after handling animals and cleaning up after your pet, and to limit your dog's exposure to other dogs, particularly if it is not fully vaccinated. It is also important to keep your dog up to date on core vaccinations to help protect it against respiratory viruses and other diseases.
Quats are a good disinfectant choice for CnPnV because of their excellent cleaning ability (they reduce microbial load by upwards of 90%), plus their ability to easily break down fat-soluble envelopes, like those found in CnPnV and other respiratory viruses. Though CnPnV is not a difficult microbe to kill, be sure to use products according to manufacturer instructions (at disinfection not sanitizer levels) to ensure maximum effectiveness.