The Everett Animal Shelter said it’s experiencing a surge of parvovirus cases and is urging vaccination for puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
EVERETT, Wash. — The Everett Animal Shelter is warning residents about an increase in parvovirus cases in the area, urging pet owners to vaccinate puppies and unvaccinated dogs against the highly contagious disease.
Seven to eight parvo-related cases in recent months have involved 24 to 25 dogs and puppies in Everett, Monroe and Stanwood, shelter officials said. Another case was identified in Tulalip on Thursday.
Six of those dogs were brought to the shelter for treatment, one dog found dead in a park near the shelter tested positive for parvo, and other cases involved calls from community members seeking help.
The increase in cases is especially unusual because it involves adult dogs as well as puppies. Shelter officials said local veterinary hospitals are likely seeing even more cases than the shelter itself.
Parvovirus, commonly called parvo, can be deadly for dogs. Shelter officials said many infected dogs do not survive, even with treatment, and outbreaks require extensive resources and strict isolation procedures. Without treatment, the mortality rate is 90%.
The shelter said routine puppy vaccinations provide strong protection against the virus and significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Officials urged pet owners caring for puppies or unvaccinated dogs to contact a veterinarian about starting the parvo vaccine series. Once dogs receive the series of vaccinations for parvo, boosters are encouraged every one to three years.
Symptoms of parvo include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration, according to the shelter.
Shelter officials said lower vaccination rates are contributing to the rise in cases. The virus spreads easily through infected dogs and contaminated surfaces and can survive in the environment for long periods.
The shelter said it is monitoring the outbreak and may offer assistance to pet owners who cannot afford vaccinations. Residents are encouraged to check the shelter’s Facebook page for updates and resources.
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