New Outbreak of Parvo Announced

Dog owners are being warned of a new outbreak of parvo called Canine Parvovirus Type 2c, a highly contagious viral disease.

Parvo attacks the dog’s intestines and typically causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, resulting in weight loss and possible death. Dozens of dogs have died from it this winter — 23 in Michigan in the last two weeks alone — and many more are possibly infected.

Even Oprah, who just ten days ago showed off her two new cocker spaniel puppies, Ivan and Sadie, has already had one of the pups succumb to the illness while the other is currently being treated as she hadn’t yet received her second immunization.

One theory suggests that the reason the illness is spreading so quickly is because fewer pet owners are able to afford the vaccinations. Vets suggest keeping unvaccinated puppies away from other dogs and puppies, and when walking your dog be aware of dog feces on the ground, especially now that snow is melting and exposing waste that wasn’t cleaned up earlier.

[image: flickr]