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Recently, local media have reported on a “surge” in local canine parvovirus cases. While some veterinarians have reported seeing more dogs who test positive, others say that they are seeing a normal caseload for this area. In any event, this is a rather well-studied disease. Dog owners and adopters should stay up to date on the latest findings from reliable sources, ie experts in the field who have had their work analyzed and printed in peer-reviewed veterinary publications. Relative to animal sheltering and rescue, there are several things to consider

rOULETTE

A WISH BONE

PARVO SURVIVOR

• :-Canine parvovirus (CPV) is highly contagious; most infections occur as a result of the dog’s contact with contaminated feces in the environment (Greene 2006). However, modified live vaccines are highly effective in preventing the disease (attach compendium or link here, Merial Recombitek C4).
  
• -Those most at risk are unvaccinated dogs and young puppies who have not completed the series of vaccinations needed to acquire immunity (Greene 2006).
  
• -The incubation period for strain CPV-2 was commonly 7-14 days (Green 2006). The incubation for currently circulating strains (CPV-2a and CPV-2b) is usually 4-6 days (Miller and Hurley, 2009)
  
• -Active shedding of the virus into the feces occurs 3-4 days after exposure (Barr and Bowman, 2006), soon after the viremia (where the virus enters the bloodstream) but before clinical signs (symptoms)appear. The virus may be shed in the feces for 7 to 12 days after EXPOSURE (Barr and Bowman 2006)
  
• .-Dogs that have tested positive for parvovirus should be isolated to prevent disease transmission. This can be done in the shelter or at a veterinary office. Mild cases can be treated on an outpatient basis in foster care homes, provided suitable, readily disinfected isolation areas exist in the home (Barr and Bowman 2006, Miller and Hurley, 2009).
  
• -There is NO carrier state for canine parvovirus, and recovered dogs do not shed virus for more than two weeks POST INFECTION. Although the virus can survive long term in the environment and on the hair coats of recovered and exposed dogs, once a dog recovers from parvovirus and is adequately bathed to mechanically remove any virus particles from the hair coat, it is recommended that the dog can be safely adopted out of the shelter or foster home (Miller and Hurley 2009).
  

Wish Bone Canine Rescue performs a parvo test after recovery if there is any concern that the dog might still be contagious.

In the past, many shelters have used a two week mandatory quarantine period for all dogs. However, since a two week quarantine period lengthens stay (and potential exposure to parvovirus), is inconvenient and may contribute to euthanasia due to behavior problems, an alternative protocol should be considered. This could include making puppies available without a two week quarantine but keeping them in an area separate from adult dogs; cleaning and caring for puppies using separate staff or at least prior to caring for adult and sick dogs; using separate supplies for puppy cleaning and care; and exercising puppies only in areas that can be routinely disinfected. (From the current,”Socialization and Parvovirus Risk, Sheila Segurson DVM, UC Davis Shelter Medicine Program”)

Animals that have recovered from CPV can be safely adopted out into the community. Client education is essential when adopting out puppies that have either been exposed to or are recovering from CPV. Each new adopter should be counseled about CPV infection and assured that later complications are rare and immunity after recovery is usually life-long. The new adopter should also be counseled that CPV is unlikely to spread to other appropriately vaccinated pets already in the home (Miller and Hurley 2009).

“Roulette” recently came to WBCR as part of a litter of six puppies. She became ill with Parvovirus soon after arrival. Little Roulette was treated in an experienced foster home, recovered, and was adopted out to a loving family within just a couple of weeks. Her recovery was aided by the stress free foster environment and great veterinary care. Another WBCR success story!