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Local Animal Shelters Seeing Cases Of Parvovirus

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Both the Western Pa. Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League have seen a few cases of canine parvovirus in the last few weeks.

Three puppies recently came through the Humane Society. Two of them were born with parvo and had to be euthanized. A third puppy was brought in on the day of a vaccine clinic and was physically sick in the building, putting other animals at risk because of how contagious the disease is.

"It certainly felt unusual for us to have three cases of parvo hit our property," said Humane Society Executive Director Joy Braunstein. "And in each case we have to close down the area, we have to bleach the area."

Parvo is potentially deadly in dogs without the vaccination.

"It can be transmitted through fecal or vomiting through body fluids. So when a dog is sick with parvo and it has diarrhea, it can be fairly explosive, it can get everywhere," said Braunstein. "It can aerosolize, it can get on other dogs feet."

Braunstein says it's extremely worrisome when a dog with parvo is brought into a shelter environment.

Again, because it is highly contagious, there's concern for other dogs in the shelter who are underweight, have health problems, and no prior vaccinations.

"Shelters are not set up to treat this kind of disease, and so it can be devastating," she says.

If you believe your puppy or dog has contracted the parvovirus, Braunstein says do not bring it to a shelter. She suggests calling the vet or animal hospital first so they can prepare.

"But let them know you're coming first so they can isolate the animal from other animals that are not vaccinated first," Braunstein said.

The Western Pa. Humane Society offers a low cost vaccine clinic.

The next one is scheduled for Oct. 4 at the Crafton Volunteer Fire Department, which is located at 8 Stotz Avenue, Crafton, Pa. 15205. They'll be there from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost of a parvo vaccine is $13.50.

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