Special Issue 1
Canine Parvovirus Cases in Northern Michigan
In response to concerns of illness in dogs from northern Michigan, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) are working together with other animal health partners to investigate. While our diagnostic investigation is ongoing, samples submitted for laboratory testing have received clear diagnoses.
MSU VDL received submissions from a subset of dogs that displayed clinical signs consistent with canine parvovirus but tested negative for parvovirus by point-of-care rapid tests at clinics/shelters.
To date, the results from most of the additional testing facilitated by MDARD and completed by the MSU VDL have revealed the illness to be canine parvovirus. The parvo-positive dogs did not have a history of complete vaccination. The remaining samples were diagnosed with other common pathogens associated with dogs' gastrointestinal disease, e.g., giardia, etc.
MDARD is reminding animal shelters to follow appropriate intake and vaccination protocols when bringing dogs/puppies into their facilities, and it is important to continue with required isolation and care measures to keep all shelter animals healthy and safe.
Shelter staff need to work closely with their shelter veterinarians to ensure their protocols for intake, isolation, vaccination, animal observation, and care (as well as cleaning/disinfection procedures for surfaces and equipment) effectively address canine parvovirus and other contagious or infectious animal diseases.
For more guidance, please refer to MDARD’s Animal Shelter Requirements handout, which includes required animal care and biosecurity measures.
Also, feel free to share our infographic with tips to protect dogs from canine parvovirus among your communities and partners.
Please contact the Animal Shelter Program (AnimalShelters@Michigan.gov) if you have any additional questions.
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