Parvovirus Hits Dogs

By Alice Hewitt

The canine parvovirus is suspected to have entered the Windsor-Essex Humane Society through the new admission of a puppy.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the canine parvovirus is a potentially deadly virus whose symptoms include a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.

Although the virus can be transmitted by any dog it is commonly found in puppies.

Shelter operations manager Rachel Dotterman said the virus is fast and can progress over the course of 48-72 hours.

“We quarantined everybody who was in the building at the same time as those (infected) dogs,” said Dotterman. “Four (dogs) we had to euthanize and one fifth dog that came up positive.”

Due to the nature of their business the Humane Society sees a number of viruses come through their facility each year from stray animals and sick household pets. During the incident, the adoption process at the facility was not affected.

According to Webmd.com the virus is not considered a risk to humans.

“In the canine family, the parvovirus crosses over different genus’ within the family group, so that a fox can infect a wolf, or a hyena can infect a dog, and so on, but it is otherwise limited to the canine family,” the website states.

When it comes to household pets, Dotterman said vaccines can be protective.

“Get your pets vaccinated,” said Dotterman. “And cats since they have a similar disease.”