New Jersey veterinary hospital issues warning over Parvovirus spike

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NorthStar VETS veterinary emergency and specialty in New Jersey has issued a warning to the public due to the increase in Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). According to an organizational release,¹ the past months-to-years have demonstrated an increase in clients infected with Parvovirus.

"We want pet parents to be aware that untreated Parvovirus has a fatality rate of more than 90%, and to consider vaccinating their at-risk pets to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. Vaccination can be performed by their regular veterinarian," expressed Deborah Mara, VMD, in the release.¹

Parvovirus is most common in younger canines, but it can affect any dog of any age. The virus is spread between dogs through dog-to-dog contact and indirect contact through the canine's environment or people they interact with.¹ Although there is an effective vaccine for CPV-2, there is no cure for this fatal disease with dogs hospitalized for 3 to 7 days in an intensive care isolation unit.

The signs and symptoms of Parvovirus are¹:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloody diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

"It's possible that we're seeing a more virulent and/or debilitating strain in the United States, but this particular virus is easy to prevent with vaccinations, which are extremely effective in preventing the progression and dissemination of the virus," explained Steven Berkowitz, DVM, DACVECC, in the release.

"Parvovirus can remain on surfaces for up to six weeks, so cleaning surfaces with which pets come into contact is equally important, and positive cases should be isolated from all unvaccinated or at-risk dogs," he continued.

Reference

Parvovirus Spike Threatens Area Pets: NJ Veterinary Hospital Issues Warning. News release. NorthStar VETS. August 18, 2022. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/parvovirus-spike-threatens-area-pets-nj-veterinary-hospital-issues-warning-301608126.html