Parvovirus outbreak in dogs raises concerns in Kalamazoo homeless settlements

KALAMAZOO, Michigan – A parvovirus outbreak causes an uproar between homeless people and animal rescue officials in Kalamazoo.

“There is definitely a parvo epidemic within the homeless community within Kalamazoo settlement,” said Sarah Gerstner, a volunteer with the nonprofit Animal’s Best Friend Fund.

This epidemic would have started a little over a week ago.

Three dogs have died after testing positive for the virus, and around 25 to 30 dogs can be affected.

“It’s not something that one organization can handle. No one has the resources to handle this alone. All of these dogs should technically be isolated and treated for parvo,” Gerstner said.

Parvovirus is an extremely contagious disease that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies and dogs. It is spread through the feces of infected puppies.

“These viral particles are picked up by other dogs or puppies on contact with the ground, and then they lick their feet or eat on the ground. This is what we call oral fecal route. It is picked up by ingestion, ”said Dr. Bruce Withers, 8th Street Veterinary Care.

Dr Withers said symptoms include dogs that are too tired and calm, not eating or drinking, as well as vomiting and / or bloody feces or diarrhea.

Puppies can start showing symptoms in three to six days and the illness requires hospitalization.

“The only supportive care we can really provide to be of help would be intravenous fluids, drugs to stop vomiting, sometimes even plasma transfusions in some more advanced cases like this. However, there is very little that can be done at home, ”says Dr. Withers.

The problem with the outbreak in the camps is that a lot of people with dogs don’t want to abandon them.

“It’s incredibly difficult for animal welfare to see someone refuse help, but I also understand because we are dealing with mental illness. We are dealing with addiction. Like I said. , it’s their only physical good that no one can take away, ”said Gerstner.

Dr Withers said the best preventative measure is to have your puppies fully vaccinated and then continue with vaccination efforts as needed.

Gerstner said she hoped they would organize a mass vaccination clinic to help prevent this from happening.

“No one can come in and save them all. We just have to make some sort of contingency plan to try and do what we can do,” Gerstner said.

For a list of resources and more information about the virus, Click here.

FOX 17 has contacted Kalamazoo County Animal Control Services several times for a statement, but has not received a response.

RELATED: Increase in canine parvovirus cases could be indirectly caused by a pandemic

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