Public Service Announcement
August 1, 2017
Canine Parvovirus Outbreak
The Town of Inuvik is currently seeing an increase of young dogs dying from suspected cases of the canine parvovirus. The majority of these dogs were not vaccinated and have been located in the West End. Town of Inuvik Municipal Enforcement Division is urging all dog owners to ensure their four legged family members are vaccinated to ensure their dogs do not become infected. With support and consultation with Arctic Paws, vaccines will be made immediately available for dogs on a request basis. Dog owners will contact the Town of Inuvik Municipal Enforcement Division at 777-8616 or bylaw@inuvik.ca to arrange for a vaccine appointment. Below is some helpful information about Canine Parvovirus.
What is Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness for dogs. The virus attacks rapidly, dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problem.
What Are the General Symptoms of Parvovirus?
The general symptoms of parvovirus are lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite and bloody, foul-smelling diarrhea, that can lead to life-threatening dehydration.
How Is Parvovirus Transmitted?
Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog's feces. Highly resistant, the virus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors. It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvovirus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs.
Which Dogs Are Prone to Parvovirus?
Puppies, adolescent dogs and canines who are not vaccinated are most susceptible to the virus. The canine parvovirus affects most members of the dog family (wolves, coyotes, foxes, etc.). Breeds at a higher risk are Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, American Staffordshire terriers and German shepherds.
How Can Parvovirus Be Prevented?
You can protect your dog from this potential killer by making sure they’re up-to-date on vaccinations. Parvovirus should be considered a core vaccine for all puppies and adult dogs. It is usually recommended that puppies be vaccinated with combination vaccines that take into account the risk factors for exposure to various diseases. One common vaccine, called a “5-in-1,” protects the puppy from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza.
If you suspect your dog may be sick, immediately quarantine your dog from all other animals. Be sure to wash all objects and surfaces the dogs bodily fluids have come into contact with using bleach to kill the virus. Owners should be sure to exercise thorough hygiene practices (washing hands and showering) after contact with the infected animal. Clothes should be washed after contact. Ensure the dog has plenty of available fluids.
Upon a death of your animal, please contact the Municipal Enforcement Division at 777-8616 during business hours or the emergency line 678-2196 after hours.
