Although not shown as data in the table, some of these rats had seroconverted to parvovirus antibody positive from infection enzootic to our rat colonies. This finding suggests that the method of environmental exposure is sufficient to convey a virus from the environment to the sentinels. On gross necropsy, this rat had swollen submandibular lymph nodes and periorbital glands, but no obvious salivary gland involvement. Experimentally, the rat was given pilocarpine and it is possible that this agent, a cholinergic receptor activator, may have had an untoward effect upon certain glands. While highly conjectural and unsubstantiated, it is possible that drug administration may have caused gland hypertrophy, duct obstruction or some other pathologic effect.
Necropsy results are pending.
This case, should it prove to show active SDAV infection, may complicate the management program and, specifically, the duration of quarantine and the breeding moratorium.