Update from the State Vet

LANSING, MI — To date, additional testing facilities by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and results completed by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) have shown a disease affecting dogs in the Northern Lower Michigan State has been disclosed. Having Peninsula Canine Parvovirus. Affected dogs did not have a full vaccination history.

“Canine parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious disease in dogs, but MDARD and veterinary professionals have extensive experience with this virus,” said the state vet. Nora Vinland, DVM, “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. 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 to keep their pets safe and healthy. Protecting the dogs of Michigan is a team effort.”

“This situation is complicated because although dogs exhibit clinical signs of parvovirus, they consistently test negative by point-of-care tests performed in clinics and shelters,” he said. MSU VDL Director Kim Dodd, DVM, “Screening tests for parvo are carried out to help guide immediate isolation, disinfection and treatment protocols. While those tests are valuable in the clinical setting, they are not as sensitive as the diagnostic tests we can perform here in the laboratory. We continue to pursue the virus in hopes of better understanding why those animals were testing negative on screening tests. ,

Veterinarians are encouraged to make additional diagnoses in MSU VDL when screening tests for canine parvovirus are negative but the clinical presentation is consistent with parvovirus infection. For any questions about sample collection, submission, or diagnostic options, please call MSU VDL (517-353-1683) and contact MDARD (800-292-3939) if unusual or reportable diseases appear. Contact.

Discovering these matters should not drastically change the way dog ​​owners care for their pets or plan to travel. If dogs are fully vaccinated against canine parvovirus, they are protected against serious illness, but it is important to always consult with your vet.

Because canine parvovirus is a common disease in dogs, veterinary clinic staff know how to keep dogs safe when looking at vaccinations and other forms of preventive care.

MDARD is encouraging all dog owners to take some simple steps to protect their animals:

, Continue routine vaccinations by ensuring dogs/puppies are vaccinated against canine parvovirus, rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis by a veterinarian.
, Get fully vaccinated before interacting with other animals to keep dogs/puppies healthy and safe.
, Keep dogs/puppies at home and away from other dogs if they show any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian.
, Be sure to clean up after your pets when you are walking them in public.

Canine parvovirus is not contagious to people or other species of domestic animals. The disease is common in Michigan and does not need to be reported to the state vet’s office.