No parvo ‘epidemic’ in Lane County

LANE COUNTY — Animal control officials confirmed Tuesday that there is not a parvo epidemic in the county, despite community concerns expressed across social media.
“We have not seen any cases here,” said Dr. Sheri Schlorman of Creswell Veterinary Hospital on Tuesday morning.
Springfield officials said the same, pointing out that it’s normal to see an increase in the virus each summer as dogs socialize together. Symptoms include vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, severe and/or bloody diarrhea and dehydration.
What is the virus, exactly? “It’s a puppy disease, essentially,” Schlorman said.
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease, according to the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association. Puppies less than 6 months old and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk to contract a serious case of the disease, which can be fatal.
Schlorman stressed the importance of taking your dog to a professional veterinarian.
“The best protection is the vaccine, given by a veterinarian, at proper intervals. Don’t take your puppy to places where other dogs are – parks, schools, or rest stops – while traveling.”
Schlorman said even vaccinated dogs can still get the virus. Factors leading to that could include the timing of when the medication was given, transportation issues around the vaccine, whether it was administered properly, etc.