2024 veterinary news in review: #17

The dvm360 editorial team is counting down our Top 20 news stories and articles of the year, from January 1, 2024, to November 15, 2024. Rank was determined by measurable audience interest and engagement.

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 17 on this list:

Tracking tool is launched on the first parvovirus awareness day

written by Kristen Coppock Crossley, MA

Originally published April 23, 2024

Image courtesy of Elanco Animal Health.

An online parvovirus tracking tool was launched Tuesday, April 23, 2024—on the first National Parvo Awareness Day. The debut of both the ParvoTrack-powered by Elanco and the new awareness day, which was created by Elanco Animal Health, is part of the company’s ‘Parvo is Poop’ educational campaign.¹

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is highly contagious and can be fatal.^2,3 In a January 2024 survey, investigators with Elanco found that there are an estimated 900 dogs diagnosed daily with canine parvovirus (CPV), and those that do not receive aggressive care in a timely manner face a mortality rate as high as 91%.²

CPV infection can also damage the small intestine, and cause myocarditis in puppies, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York. Although it affects older dogs, the virus is most-often associated with puppies ages 6 to 20 weeks.³

RELATED: 2024 veterinary news in review: #18

The virus is easily spread through direct contact with infected dogs, their feces, or surfaces contaminated by the virus. These surfaces may include kennels, water and food bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands or clothing of humans who have handled an infected dog.⁴ The virus is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, according to Elanco. It can also survive in the environment, sometimes for years, and even when infected canine feces are removed, in some cases.¹

Raising awareness about parvovirus—and encouraging veterinarians to be prepared with treatments in stock—is important for defeating infection, according to Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US Pet Health, Elanco. “It requires us to be innovative and bold,” Modi said in a news release.¹ “The first-of-its-kind tracing tool is something that we’ve heard loud and clear from the veterinary industry is critical. If we can track and test for parvo, we can treat and defeat parvo.”

For more information on the virtual parvovirus tracking tool, National Parvo Awareness Day, references, and more, continue reading the full article: https://www.dvm360.com/view/parvovirus-tracking-tool-is-launched-on-the-first-awareness-day-for-the-disease