Official Statement of the Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad” on Amdoparvovirus
PCR test developed, infection confirmed in Dobermans – recommendations for dog owners and breeders
The Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad” has officially issued a statement regarding the discovery of amdoparvovirus in dogs in Serbia. In the public statement numbered 1363-10 dated 05.08.2026, the Institute’s experts confirmed the presence of the virus in affected Doberman dogs and, more importantly, developed a PCR test for its detection.
This is a crucial step forward in the fight against this disease. Following the publication of the scientific study on July 24, 2026 that documented the first case of natural infection of domestic dogs with the RFAV virus (Raccoon Dog and Fox Amdoparvovirus), we now have an official statement that provides concrete recommendations and guidelines.
We are sharing the key information from the statement below.
📍 Epizootiology – Where Did the Virus Come From?
According to the statement, the first cases were recorded in the second half of December 2025, following the import of Dobermans from Russia. Within ten days of arrival, the first imported female, aged 7 months, fell ill, and the infection subsequently spread to all Dobermans with which she had been in contact.
The Institute, in collaboration with the competent Republic Veterinary Inspectorate, has been officially involved in epizootiological surveillance and laboratory diagnostics since March 2026, at a location in Čortanovci, Inđija municipality.
⚠️ Important note:
“A particular problem from the standpoint of maintaining and spreading the infection is represented by subclinically infected individuals that shed the virus but do not have a pronounced clinical picture, or it is so mild that it is not recognized.”
🧬 Etiology – What Is the Virus?
Laboratory testing has ruled out all previously known microbiological agents – leptospirosis, leishmaniasis, adenovirus, canine distemper, coronavirus, parvovirus, and herpesvirus infections in dogs.
At the Department of Virology, metagenomic testing (NGS – next generation sequencing) was conducted, revealing that 99% of all detected viral sequences belonged to a single virus – amdoparvovirus, genetically most similar to RFAV (Raccoon Dog and Fox Amdoparvovirus) with 97% similarity.
The complete genome of the detected virus was published in the NCBI GenBank (USA) under accession number PZ348355.
Based on knowledge of the new virus genome, a PCR test for its detection was designed.
🩺 Clinical Picture and Pathology
This is a multi-systemic disease with a chronic course. The incubation period is variable – ranging from two weeks to two months or more.
Clinical syndrome observed:
- Bilateral mucopurulent conjunctivitis with ocular discharge
- Nasal discharge – in a larger number of dogs
- Pronounced hyperemia of the sclera and conjunctiva
- Progressive weight loss with preserved appetite
- Poor coat quality
- Biochemically altered hepatogram – multiple elevated transaminases
- Corneal opacity – described as “blue eyes”
- Dry and hyperkeratotic footpads (hard pad) and hyperkeratotic nasal planum
- Cough, arthritis
- Neurological deficits in the terminal phase – epileptiform seizures, ataxia accompanied by hemiparesis
Extreme cachexia and failure of various organs are the most common causes of death or euthanasia. The most pronounced changes were observed in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
🧪 Diagnostics – Where and How to Test?
The PCR test is the only diagnostic test that can reliably confirm the diagnosis. The test is available at the Department of Virology laboratory of the Institute.
🧪 CONTACT FOR PCR TESTING
📞 Material Reception Department: +381 21 4895 335
📧 Email: prijemno@niv.ns.ac.rs (with subject “Amdoparvovirus”)
📍 Address: Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Rumenacki put 20, 21113 Novi Sad, Serbia
📞 On-call phone (after 3 PM): +381 64 818 54 38
⏱️ Best sample: blood with EDTA anticoagulant (viremia lasts at least 3 months)
The virus was detected in: blood with EDTA anticoagulant, urine, kidneys, spleen, liver, brain, lungs, testes, sperm, ileocecal lymph nodes, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs, as well as ocular mucosal swabs – indicating systemic distribution of the pathogen.
🛡️ Prevention and Control
Specific prevention (vaccine) is currently not available. Basic biosecurity measures are key:
- Diagnostic testing of susceptible individuals for the presence of the virus
- Avoiding contact between infected and healthy dogs
- Controlling the movement of infected animals
- Postponing or canceling events where large numbers of dogs gather
- Participation only of dogs with negative PCR results (not older than 7 days)
- Quarantine of new individuals – 21 to 30 days, with PCR testing
Breeders are warned:
“Breeders and owners are advised to minimize contacts between different breeding facilities to the necessary minimum. Before introducing new individuals into a virus-free breeding facility, it is mandatory to require that the dog has a negative PCR test, and that the breeding facility from which it originates has been tested and is free of the virus.”
🧹 Disinfection
Since the virus belongs to the Parvoviridae family, it is highly resistant in the external environment. The following agents are recommended:
- Potassium peroxymonosulfate (e.g., Virkon S) – working concentration of 2%
- Contact time: at least 10 minutes
- Alternative: sodium hypochlorite
- Special attention: surfaces contaminated with urine (proven high virus concentration)
🔬 Why Is This Important?
This statement provides several key pieces of information:
- Confirmation – the virus has been officially documented and confirmed by a scientific institution, with the complete genome published in NCBI GenBank
- Diagnostics – the PCR test enables rapid and reliable detection of the virus
- Safety – there is currently no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans
- Recommendations – concrete measures for owners and breeders
Let us recall, this story began with a “cry for help” from Miloš Simeunović, who, despite pressure and condemnation, publicly pointed to the mysterious disease in his dogs. His persistence, together with the work of the Institute, led to this discovery.
📄 Complete Statement of the Institute
The complete 4-page statement is available for download in PDF format at the link below.
📄 STATEMENT FOR DOWNLOAD
https://idealdale.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Amdovirus-en.pdf
(We recommend downloading and saving it)
🐕 In Lieu of a Conclusion
The Institute has announced continued research – more detailed study of the epizootiology, pathogenesis, and risk factors. They are also working on optimizing diagnostic methods and developing a serological test for detecting the presence of specific antibodies.
We will continue to follow this story and report new developments.
📢 What Can You Do?
1️⃣ Download the complete statement – from the link above
2️⃣ Share this text – so more people learn about the virus and prevention measures
3️⃣ Test your dogs – if you notice any symptoms, contact the Institute
4️⃣ Follow the Institute’s recommendations – protect your pets
Together we can protect our dogs! 🐕❤️
📚 Related Content on the Portal
📌 Sources
Ideal Dale – Dog breeding home and poultry farm
Bokternica 43, Bačka Palanka, Serbia | 📞 +381 64 114 2497
