The Everett Animal Shelter says it’s seeing a spike in parvovirus cases and is urging puppies and unvaccinated dogs to get vaccinated.
Everett, Washington — everett animal shelter Residents are warned of an increase in parvovirus cases in the area and pet owners are urged to vaccinate puppies and unvaccinated dogs to prevent the highly contagious disease.
Shelter officials said there have been seven to eight parvovirus-related cases involving 24 to 25 dogs and puppies in Everett, Monroe and Stanwood in recent months. Another case was discovered Thursday in Tulalip.
Six of the dogs were brought to the shelter for treatment, one dog was found dead in a park near the shelter and tested positive for parvovirus, and other cases involved calls from community members seeking help.
The increase in cases is particularly unusual because it involves both adult dogs and puppies. Shelter officials said local veterinary hospitals may be seeing more cases than the shelter itself.
Parvovirus, commonly called parvovirus, can be fatal to dogs. Shelter officials say many infected dogs do not survive even with treatment, and outbreaks require significant resources and strict quarantine procedures. Without treatment, the mortality rate is 90%.
The shelter says routine puppy vaccinations provide strong protection against the virus and significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Officials urge pet owners who care for puppies or unvaccinated dogs to contact their veterinarian to learn how to start the parvovirus vaccine series. Once a dog has received a series of parvovirus vaccinations, booster vaccinations are encouraged every one to three years.
Symptoms of parvovirus include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration, according to the shelter.
Shelter officials say low vaccination rates are one reason for the increase in cases. The virus spreads easily through infected dogs and contaminated surfaces and can survive in the environment for long periods of time.
The shelter said it is monitoring the outbreak and may provide assistance to pet owners who cannot afford vaccinations. Residents encouraged to check shelters Facebook page Get updates and resources.
