Update from the State Veterinarian on Canine Parvovirus Cases in Northern Michigan

LANSING, MI — To date, the success from the additional testing facilitated by the Michigan Section of Agriculture and Rural Growth (MDARD) and finished by the Michigan Condition University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) have discovered the health issues impacting dogs in Michigan’s northern Reduce Peninsula to be canine parvovirus. The afflicted canines did not have a heritage of complete vaccination.

“Canine parvovirus is a extreme and really contagious condition in canines, but MDARD and veterinary specialists have intensive knowledge with this virus,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM. “We have a remarkably powerful vaccine offered to enable safeguard canines from the virus. Dogs that are not totally vaccinated against this virus are the most at risk. Doggy house owners throughout Michigan must operate intently with their veterinarians to make certain their pet dogs are appropriately vaccinated and given well timed boosters to maintain their animals risk-free and nutritious. Safeguarding Michigan’s dogs is a staff hard work.” 

“This situation is complicated since while the dogs displayed scientific symptoms suggestive of parvovirus, they regularly exam unfavorable by place-of-treatment tests performed in clinics and shelters,” stated MSU VDL director Kim Dodd, DVM. “Screening tests for parvo are completed to support guide instant isolation, disinfection, and procedure protocols. Whilst those exams are precious in the medical location, they are not as delicate as the diagnostic assessments we can accomplish below in the laboratory. We proceed to additional characterize the virus in hopes of greater comprehending why all those animals have been tests adverse on screening exams.”

Veterinarians are encouraged to pursue additional diagnostics at the MSU VDL when screening checks for canine parvovirus are damaging but medical presentation is steady with parvovirus an infection. You should simply call MSU VDL (517-353-1683) with any thoughts about sample collection, submission, or diagnostic solutions and speak to MDARD (800-292-3939) if unconventional or reportable illnesses are seen.

The discovery of these instances should really not lead to puppy owners to drastically alter how they treatment for their animals or exactly where they strategy to travel. If canines are fully vaccinated in opposition to canine parvovirus, they are guarded against critical sickness, but it is vital to constantly seek the advice of with your veterinarian.

As canine parvovirus is a widespread sickness in canines, veterinary clinic staff know how to maintain canines secure when looking at them for vaccinations and other types of preventative treatment.

MDARD is encouraging all pet owners to take a couple easy actions to safeguard their animals: 

Maintain up with schedule vaccinations by making certain canine/puppies are vaccinated against canine parvovirus, rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis by a veterinarian.
Have puppies/puppies completely vaccinated prior to interacting with other animals to maintain them healthier and risk-free.
Maintain dogs/puppies at residence and away from other puppies if they are exhibiting any indicators of health issues and get hold of your veterinarian.
Be guaranteed to cleanse up soon after your pet when you’re going for walks them in general public.

Canine parvovirus is NOT contagious to men and women or other species of domestic animals. The sickness is common in Michigan and is not demanded to be reported to the condition veterinarian’s business.

State Vet Dog Virus Statement