Dogs in northern Michigan are dying from an unknown sickness, according to the state’s agriculture department.
Numerous dogs have died from the mysterious ailment, according to media reports from nearby animal shelters, and frequent symptoms include vomiting and bloody stools.
Even though the inquiry, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is still in its early stages, some of the initial samples sent for testing have tested positive for canine parvovirus.
The ailment typically affects senior canines and those under the age of two. It is very infectious to pets and spreads mostly through faecal matter. Fatigue, appetite loss, and diarrhoea are symptoms.
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State veterinarian Dora Wineland said, “When MDARD first learned of these occurrences in northern Michigan, we immediately reached out to the veterinarians and animal shelters involved and began our response activities.” Dog owners should make sure their pet is up to date on routine vaccinations as it’s the first step in keeping their pet healthy. However, protecting animals and public health is a team effort.
Parvovirus is not communicable to humans or other animals, and it is not usually a condition that needs to be reported to the local veterinary clinic. Veterinarians are now being urged by MDARD to report any strange symptoms they spot in animals to the state.
A strange illness that had been plaguing several of the organization’s animals was described in a Facebook post by The Otsego County Animal. The August 9 post read, “Most of these pets have passed away within three days. These dogs are mostly under the age of two. Some of the dogs were vaccinated.”
The shelter added that it has spoken with veterinarians throughout the state and in northern Michigan. The best “guess” is that this is a strain of parvo, but no one has an answer.
MDARD has a few steps that pet owners can follow to keep their dogs safe:
- Keep up with routine immunizations by ensuring dogs and pups are protected against canine parvovirus, rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis (particularly for those residing in or travelling with pets to the northern Lower Peninsula).
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- Having dogs/puppies fully vaccinated before interacting with other animals will help to keep them healthy and safe.
- Keep dogs/puppies at home and away from other dogs if they are exhibiting any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian.
- Be sure to clean up after your pet when you’re walking them out in public.
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