UPDATE: September 15, 2022
As the investigation into reports of illness in Michigan dogs continues, the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is still performing diagnostic testing on samples from dogs with severe vomiting and diarrhea. While these clinical signs are consistent with parvovirus, there are multiple other causes of severe gastroenteritis in dogs, including other viral, bacterial, parasitic, and protozoal infections. Most submitted samples tested positive for canine parvovirus by PCR. The MSU VDL has also diagnosed Michigan dogs with other common pathogens associated with GI disease, such as giardia for example. To date, the dogs testing positive for parvovirus by PCR at the MSU VDL did not have a history of complete vaccination.
Sequencing revealed that all isolates are canine parvovirus-2c (CPV-2c), the most common antigenic variant circulating in North America. There is no evidence that the CPV-2c strains in Michigan are more virulent or less likely to be protected by full vaccination. As noted in previous updates, it is well-established in the scientific literature that point-of-care (POC) tests for parvovirus are less sensitive than laboratory methods like PCR. The MSU VDL will continue to test and characterize additional samples to explore ways POC tests may be improved to enhance sensitivity.
We continue to encourage veterinarians to pursue additional diagnostics in cases where screening tests for parvovirus are negative but clinical presentation is consistent with parvovirus infection. Please call the MSU VDL at 517.353.1683 with any questions about sample collection, submission, or diagnostic options.
Owners are encouraged to take a few simple steps to protect their animals:
- Keep up with routine vaccinations by ensuring dogs/puppies are vaccinated against canine parvovirus, rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis by a veterinarian.
- Have dogs/puppies fully vaccinated before interacting with other animals 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 walking in public and don’t allow pets to come into contact with other animals’ waste.
As a reminder, canine parvovirus is not contagious to people. The disease is common in Michigan, and nationwide, and is not required to be reported to the state veterinarian’s office.
UPDATE: August 24, 2022
To date, the results from the additional testing facilitated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and completed by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) have revealed the illness impacting dogs in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula to be canine parvovirus. The affected dogs did not have a history of complete vaccination.
MSU VDL director Dr. Kim Dodd explains, "This situation is complex because although the dogs displayed clinical signs suggestive of parvovirus, they consistently test negative by point-of-care tests performed in clinics and shelters. Screening tests for parvo are done to help guide immediate isolation, disinfection, and treatment protocols. While those tests are valuable in the clinical setting, they are not as sensitive as the diagnostic tests we can perform here in the laboratory. We continue to further characterize the virus in hopes of better understanding why those animals were testing negative on screening tests.”
Please refer to today's full update below for more information.
UPDATE: August 22, 2022
We are continuing to work with our animal health partners, including MDARD, to investigate the reports of illness in northern Michigan dogs. While our diagnostic investigation is ongoing, we can say that some of the first samples submitted for testing were positive for canine parvovirus. Additional diagnostic testing is ongoing and we will provide updates as soon as they are available.
Veterinarians are encouraged to pursue additional diagnostics in cases where screening tests for parvovirus are negative but clinical presentation is consistent with parvovirus infection. Please call the Laboratory with any questions about sample collection, submission, or diagnostic options and contact MDARD if unusual or reportable illnesses are seen.
Dog owners should keep up with routine vaccinations and ensure animals are fully vaccinated before interacting with other animals to keep them healthy and safe. If dogs or puppies show signs of illness, keep them at home and away from other dogs and contact your veterinarian. Be sure to clean up after your pet when walking in public and don't allow pets to come into contact with other animals' waste.
August 19, 2022
There have been reports of a parvo-like illness in northern Michigan dogs. We have been working closely with several animal health partners including the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) to investigate and find clear answers. Veterinarians are encouraged to call the Laboratory if they have any questions about sample collection, submission, or diagnostic options and to contact MDARD if unusual or reportable illnesses are seen. Dog owners should keep up with routine vaccinations and ensure animals are fully vaccinated before interacting with other animals to keep them healthy and safe. If dogs or puppies show signs of illness, keep them at home and away from other dogs and contact your veterinarian. We’ll share more updates as we have new information about this investigation.