A mysterious parvovirus has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 60 dogs in northern Michigan over the past month.  The dogs presented with symptoms typical to parvovirus such as lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, but initial screenings came back negative for parvo.

A follow up diagnostic with the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab has shown positive parvovirus samples, however additional testing is ongoing.

So far deaths from the illness have been reported primarily in Otsego and Clare Counties in north-central Michigan with many more active cases across northern and central Michigan.  Illnesses have  been reported from multiple animal shelters and veterinary offices in those areas.   Currently no active cases were reported in the Upper Peninsula.

Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued guidance including:

• Keep up with routine parvovirus vaccinations for dogs
• Fully vaccinate puppies before interacting with other animals
• No known zoonotic transmission for parvovirus to humans or other non-canines

​The CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab is also providing regular updates which can be found here.

An August report in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, found evidence that the currently spreading monkeypox virus can be transmitted from humans to dogs.  While it is unknown if dogs or other domestic pets can be vectors for the spread of the monkeypox virus, the ability for dogs to obtain symptomatic infections from human companions increases that risk.

As a result, the CDC has updated its guidance on the monkeypox virus to include information about pets in the home.  This includes avoiding contact with animals when infected with the monkeypox virus and ensuring that a pet does not come in contact with potentially contaminated items such as clothing, sheets, or towels.

At this time the report only covers the likely infection of one dog.  While no cases in cats have been reported, cats are susceptible to the orthopoxvirus family that includes monkeypox.