Parvovirus-Deadly Canine Virus Hits Local Dog Shelters

Deadly canine virus hits local dog shelters
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
By Linda Wilson Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The deadly and highly contagious canine parvovirus is on the upswing locally, and several dogs from two local shelters have died from the disease, according to a news release from the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania.

The shelters on the North Shore and Larimer “are performing aggressive sanitation tactics” to try to keep the disease from spreading.

The virus is especially lethal for puppies and old dogs. Symptoms of parvo include vomiting and severe, bloody diarrhea. Dogs and puppies with those symptoms should be rushed to a veterinarian because most deaths occur 48 to 72 hours after symptoms appear.

The virus can be prevented by vaccination, and the Humane Society is offering a vaccine clinic Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter on Western Avenue.

The Canine DHPP shot — for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus is $13. The clinic will also offer canine and feline rabies vaccines for as low as $8.

“We want to educate the public that the virus is in the community,” said Gretchen Fieser, director of public relations at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society.

Some of the sick dogs have come from Etna, Millvale and the South Side, she said.

For further information go to www.wpahumane.org or call 412-321-4625.

Linda Wilson Fuoco: lfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-722-0087.

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