EN
Abortions, neonatal deaths, and reproductive failures in a variety of animal species are caused by many pathogens, including alphaherpesviruses. Herpesviruses can persist in the form of a latent infection in a variety of tissues of the infected animals. In addition, the reactivation of the latent virus infection, especially in pregnant bitches, can lead to abortions or stillbirths. These problems are frequently reported on fox farms in Poland. The aim of this study was to establish if canine herpesvirus (CHV) can be considered as a viral pathogen responsible for the reproductive losses on fox farms. In the authors’ study, 114 samples of internal organs of dead puppies and adult animals eliminated from breeding have been examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). None of the tested samples contained herpesviral DNA, the presence of which could confirm the existence of latent infections in foxes.