Mysterious Parvo-Like Illness Killing Dozens of Dogs in Michigan

The state’s agriculture department reports dogs are dying of a mysterious illness in northern Michigan.

“When MDARD first learned of these cases in northern Michigan, we immediately reached out to the veterinarians and animal shelters involved and began our response efforts,” said state veterinarian Dora Wineland. “Protecting animal and public health is one of the department’s key pillars, but it is a team effort. Dog owners need to ensure their pet is up to date on routine vaccinations as it’s the first step in keeping your pet healthy.”

In most cases, parvovirus is not an illness that must be reported to the state veterinary office because it is not contagious to humans or other animals. However, the MDARD is now requesting that veterinarians notify the state if they notice any uncommon conditions in animals.

According to an Aug. 9 post on the Otsego County Animal Center’s Facebook page, many animals have been affected by the mysterious illness. “Most of these dogs have passed within three days. These dogs are mostly under the age of 2. Some of the dogs were vaccinated,” the post read.

“No one has an answer. The best ‘guess’ is that this is a strain of parvo,” said a shelter that has been in contact with other vets in the northern area.

MDARD has a few steps that pet owners can follow to keep their dogs safe:

• Keep up with routine vaccinations (especially for those living in or traveling with pets to the northern Lower Peninsula) by ensuring dogs/puppies are vaccinated against canine parvovirus, rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis.
• Be sure dogs/puppies are fully vaccinated before interacting with other animals will help to keep them healthy and safe.
• Keep dogs/puppies at home and away from other dogs if they exhibit any signs of illness, and contact your veterinarian.
• Be sure to clean up after your pet while walking them out in public.