Warning: Dog Owners – Make Sure Your Dog has Their Vaccinations – Animal Shelter in Washington County, MD had a Parovirus Outbreak

In Hagerstown, Maryland, at least five positive cases of canine parvovirus have been identified at the Humane Society of Washington County, forcing the shelter to stop accepting dogs until further notice.

Officials with the shelter questioned if the troubled economy is influencing people to choose to forgo vaccinating dogs against the disease. If you are having problems paying for your dog’s vaccinations, contact your local animal shelters. Sometimes they will run special programs during the year offering free vaccinations for your dog. Also, ask your Vet if you can set up a payment plan.

The humane society issued an alert Monday saying that five puppies taken to the shelter from the 4000 block of Mills Road in Sharpsburg tested positive for the disease.

Shelter spokeswoman Katherine Cooker said all five puppies were put down. Four more dogs at the shelter contracted the disease and had to be euthantized, she said.

What Is Parvovirus?
The Americana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, the canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problems.

How Do Dogs Get Parvo?
Dogs and puppies get parvo from being in contact with infected dogs, but most likely from the fecal matter of infected dogs, which, when you think of it, is very scary. Who hasn't seen dog feces around on the grass while on a walk with their dog? Who knows what dog left it? They can get it from the groomers, boarding places where infected dogs have been, and even the Vet’s office.

Can Humans Get Pavo?
Dogs cannot transmit parvo to humans, but humans can unwittingly transmit it from dog to dog.

Can Cats Get Parvo from Dogs?
No, parvo is a disease only in dogs that attacks the cells in the GI tract. This disease is not zoonotic, so humans and felines can not catch it. Felines can get another form of parvo called panleukopenia unrelated to Parvo with similar symptoms. But dogs can't catch it from cats and vice versa.
Source: Veterinary Technician at an emergency and specialty hospital.

For more information on Parvovirus, please visit the websites below:
Parvovirus
Dr. Jean Dodds' Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Get Your Dog Vaccinated Now
ASPCA - Parvovirus

Your dog is a family member, please take time and have their yearly checkup at the Vet.