A highly-contagious disease that has a mortality rate as high as 90 percent has seen a significant spike in multiple states across the country.
The disease, known as Parvovirus, was reported at above-average levels in New York, Washington DC, and Missouri.
The most common symptoms reported are vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
New York health officials said that they saw a higher occurrence in young dogs and puppies.
Fourteen dogs were diagnosed up to March 14th, which health officials said was a higher rate than what is usually reported in a year span.
ACC’s Senior Vice President said that they ‘Normally see a limited number of parvo cases in any given year.’ but that in 2023 they’ve already seen a significant number of cases and ‘the number continues to rise’.
A vaccine is available for Parvo virus which veterinarians in affected states are already recommending that pet owners give their dogs.
With proper treatment, vaccination, and if it is spotted quickly enough, the recovery rate for Parvo virus is reportedly 90 percent.
The first warning signs include lethargy, lack of appetite, and fever among dogs.
The ACC warned that the best way to prevent your dog from contracting the Paro Virus is to prevent them from interacting with other dogs feces, since that is the primary vector of the virus.
They further said that Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Pit Bull Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and German Shepherds are at increased risk.
The Daily Mail Reports–
Parvovirus 🦠 is on the rise.
This kills 90% of all infected dog.
Get your dog vaccinated and do not allow it to interact with other dog’s feces.
— trader (@TicTocTick) May 18, 2023
Pet owners have been urged to look out for a virus that is spiking in some parts of the US and is lethal in dogs.
Parvovirus, often referred to as parvo — a highly-contagious disease that kills up to 90 percent of pooches — is above average levels in at least three parts of the country, New York state, DC and Missouri.
The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. The virus is not tracked, so the total number of dogs to have died is not known.
New York health officials released an alert which said the Animal Care Centers (ACC) had diagnosed 14 dogs as of March 14, with the majority in puppies and younger dogs in Bronx and Manhattan facilities.