[Dailydrool] Virulent Strain of Parvo Hits W. Michigan

[jkapanowski at wowway.com]

Public Service Announcement...Throwing this out here so folks can be aware 
of this new Parvo strain.  Please be aware that its hitting vaccinated and 
unvaccinated dogs.  Might be time to be extra careful with kenneling, doggie-
daycare, vet visits (?), etc., if you're in that area.  If I hear anything 
else, I'll relay the info.

This looks like info from their local news (WWMT?): 

Highly virulent or new strain of Parvo in Kent Co. 
August 22, 2008 - 6:06PM 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A highly virulent or new strain of 
Parvo has been suspected as the cause of death for at least three adult 
canines in Kent County, according to officials at the Humane Society of Kent 
County. 

"The number of local Parvo cases is disturbingly high," says Dr. Wendy 
Swift, Veterinary Medical Director at the Humane Society of Kent 
County. "The virus is spread through fecal contamination, and it has been 
extremely fatal in puppies as well as in both vaccinated and unvaccinated 
adult dogs." 

The Humane Society of Kent County is currently taking precautionary measures 
including a deep clean of the shelter, vaccinating all dogs/puppies 
appropriately upon intake and performing diagnostic tests with a veterinary 
pharmaceutical company. 

Symptoms for Parvo may include lethargy, bloody vomit and diarrhea. The 
Humane Society of Kent County is encouraging pet owners to contact their 
veterinarians to see if their dog's previous vaccinations provide protection 
against this current outbreak of Parvo. If you suspect your dog has 
contracted the Parvo virus, contact your veterinarian immediately and keep 
your dog confined, away from other dogs. 

To ensure the health and safety of the animals in the shelter the Humane 
Society of Kent County will remain closed Friday, August 22. The shelter 
will re-open to the public on Saturday, August 23 from 11 am to 4 pm for 
adoptions only. 

Animal admitting will re-open on Monday, August 25 for normal hours - 12:00 
pm to 4 pm. However, all animal admitting will be by appointment only for 
the week of August 25 through August 31 for precautionary measures. To make 
an appointment individuals are asked to call the Humane Society of Kent 
County at (616) 453-8900 ext. 217.