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