Mysterious Michigan dog illness identified by state officials

the mysterious disease sickened and killed dozens of dogs Has been identified by state officials across Michigan as canine parvovirus.

declaration from Michigan Department The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development comes after an animal shelter in Ostego County reported at least 30 animals succumbed to the disease, despite testing negative for it.

Canine parvovirus is spread through feces and includes symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite and diarrhea.

Dozens of dogs die of mysterious illness in Michigan

“Canine parvovirus in dogs is a serious and highly contagious disease, but the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and veterinary professionals have extensive experience with this virus,” state veterinarian Nora Vinland said in a statement.

“We have a highly effective vaccine available to help protect dogs from the virus. Dogs that have not been fully vaccinated against this virus are most at risk,” she continued. “Dog owners across Michigan should work closely with their veterinarians to ensure that their dogs are properly vaccinated and given boosters in a timely manner keep their pets safe and sounds.”

National Dog Day 2022: 10 Fun Facts About Our Furry Friends

Michigan officials say a “highly effective” vaccine is available to help protect dogs from canine parvovirus.
(iStock)

See also  The white powder Germans are snorting at Oktoberfest for more energy — and fun

Kim Dodd, director of the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, described the situation as “complicated” because although the dogs displayed clinical signs of parvovirus, they were detected by point-of-care tests performed in clinics and shelters. Constantly test negative.

Click here to get Fox News App

“Although those tests are valuable in a clinical setting, they are not as sensitive as the clinical tests we can do here in the lab,” she said. “We continue to pursue the virus in the hopes of better understanding why those animals were testing negative on screening tests.”

Michigan officials said canine parvovirus does not affect other pets.
(iStock)

But Michigan officials also stressed that “canine parvovirus is not contagious to people or other species of domestic animals.”

Fox News’ Andrea Vecchiano contributed to this report.