The Animal Foundation Seeing Spike in Parvovirus among Dogs in the Las Vegas Valley
On May 13, 2019, KVVU-TV FOX5 reported on how veterinarians at The Animal Foundation are seeing a spike in dogs coming in to the shelter with the highly contagious canine parvovirus (CPV2). CPV2 is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Vaccines can prevent this infection, but mortality can reach 91% in untreated cases. Treatment often involves veterinary hospitalization.
Reporter Tiana Bohner talked with Dr. Ken Sieranski, Director of Veterinary Services for The Animal Foundation, who said that the shelter is currently seeing about five new cases coming in from the field every day. He says that while there are signs outside most dog parks in the valley saying that dogs must be vaccinated, many dog owners are not following that rule. According to Dr. Sieranski, the parvovirus can live for years so that even dogs that have been vaccinated once need to stay up-to-date on their parvovirus shots. He urges owners of puppies and adult dogs to get their dogs vaccinated as soon as possible. Low-cost vaccinations are available at The Animal Foundation’s clinic on a first-come, first-served basis Monday-Friday between 3:00-6:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday between 10:00 am-3:00 pm.
Dog owners can get information about low-cost vaccines here.