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Canine Parvovirus type 2c
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To keep you informed, this page will be updated as new information is received. It has recently come to our attention that a new strain of parvovirus may be in San Diego. A few suspect cases have been brought to the County Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Additional diagnostics to determine if Parvo type 2c gene is present are ongoing. As of May 2008, the CADDL has requested that local veterinarians report parvo cases, in an attempt to find where the cases originated, and the particular strain of each case. The following is used with permission from the American Veterinary Medical Association; From the AVMA website. Frequently Asked Questions about Canine Parvovirus type 2c September 2008 This FAQ document is based on what we currently know about this virus. As we receive more information, this document will be updated What is canine parvovirus type 2c? Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is the virus that causes "parvo" enteritis in dogs. There are several strains, or variants, of CPV-2; all of the strains of CPV-2 are genetically related.
CPV-2c differs from CPV-2a and CPV-2b at only one point on the DNA strand
Canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) is a variant, or strain, of canine parvovirus. It was first detected in Italy in 2000, and has also been reported in Western Europe, Asia, and South America. Outbreaks of canine parvovirus associated with CPV-2c in the United States were confirmed in 2006 and 2007.
Canine parvovirus type 2b (CPV-2b) is the most common variant of the canine parvovirus in the United States, but CPV-2c is becoming the second most common variant. What type of infection does CPV-2c cause? CPV-2c causes similar signs as those seen with infection with CPV-2a and CPV-2b. These include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and dehydration. The bloody diarrhea might be mild or absent with CPV-2c infection, but affected dogs are more likely to stop eating. Without treatment, many affected animals die. Severe cases may die despite aggressive treatment.
To read more about canine parvovirus, view the AVMA's brochure, "What you should know about canine parvovirus," at http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/canine_parvo/parvo_brochure.asp. Who is susceptible to CPV-2c infection? The risk for infection with CPV-2c and other strains of the canine parvovirus (as well as many other infectious diseases) is highest when large numbers of dogs are housed together in close confinement, such as boarding/training kennels, shelter facilities, dog shows, and racing greyhound kennels. Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to infection, but puppies and unvaccinated or improperly vaccinated dogs are at higher risk of infection and illness. There is no evidence that CPV-2c, or the other canine parvovirus strains, can infect people. How is CPV-2c transmitted? As with other parvoviruses, CPV-2c is highly contagious and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. How is CPV-2c infection diagnosed? Because the signs are similar for CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c infection and illness, the types cannot be distinguished by examination or the signs of disease observed. Commercially available fecal tests are able to detect all strains of CPV-2, including CPV-2c. What is the treatment for CPV-2c infection? As with the other strains of canine parvovirus, treatment of individual dogs consists of supportive care and efforts to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, control vomiting and diarrhea, and prevent secondary infections. There is no specific anti-viral therapy for CPV-2c infection. Since CPV-2c and other strains of canine parvovirus are highly contagious, isolation of infected dogs is necessary to minimize spread of infection. Is there a vaccine for CPV-2c? Although there is no vaccine to specifically prevent CPV-2c infection, studies have shown that all of the currently available vaccines produced by the five major vaccine manufacturers (Fort Dodge Animal Health, Intervet, Merial, Pfizer and Schering-Plough), when administered appropriately, provide excellent immunity to all strains of the canine parvovirus.
Puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they received earlier, to develop adequate protection. How is CPV-2c infection managed? Strategies for reducing the spread of CPV-2c infection are the same as those for other strains of CPV, and include isolation of ill dogs (as well as any dogs exposed to ill dogs), biosecurity measures (such as changing of clothes and hand washing after handling affected dogs), and effective sanitation. Parvoviruses are very hardy, are resistant to many disinfectants, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. How is CPV-2c infection prevented? When a dog develops parvo, treatment can be very expensive, and the dog may die despite aggressive treatment. Vaccinating your dog is the most effective way to prevent infection.
Dogs with vomiting or diarrhea or other dogs which have been exposed to ill dogs should not be taken to kennels, show grounds, dog parks, or other areas where they will come into contact with other dogs. Similarly, unvaccinated dogs should not be exposed to ill dogs or those with unknown vaccination histories. People who are in contact with sick or exposed dogs should avoid handling of other dogs or at least wash their hands and change their clothes before doing so. For additional information: Hong C, Decaro N, Desario C et al. Occurrence of canine parvovirus type 2c in the United States. J Vet Diagn Invest 2007; 19: 535-539.
Kapil S, Cooper E, Lamm C et al. Canine parvovirus types 2c and 2b circulating in North American dogs in 2006 and 2007. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45: 4044-4047.
Larson LJ, Quesada M; Mukhtar E, et al. Evaluation of a CPV-2 fecal parvovirus ELISA (SNAP Fecal Parvo Test ®) from Idexx Laboratories. 88th Conf Res Workers in Anim Dis 2007, p. 112.
CPV Update, Amer Anim Hosp Assoc; May 28, 2007.
Oklahoma State University press release: http://www.cvhs.okstate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=437
Schultz RD, Larson LJ. Current canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) vaccines provide excellent immunity to all genotypes of CPV-2 (eg CPV-2a, 2b, and 2c). 88th Conf Res Workers in Anim Dis 2007, p. 113. Source: Staff research, Communications Division; Dr. Ron Schultz, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.
Contact: Dr. Kimberly May, Medical/Science Writer, AVMA Communications Division, kmay@avma.org. This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Redistribution is acceptable, but the document's original content and format must be maintained, and its source must be prominently identified. Below; AVMA information brochure on Canine Parvovirus (June 2005) |
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AVMA brochure on Canine parvovirus What you should know about canine parvovirus June 2005 What is canine parvovirus? Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen worldwide. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young and unborn puppies. How is parvovirus spread? Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. What dogs are at risk? All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are at increased risk of acquiring the disease. Certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher) appear to have a high risk of experiencing severe disease. What are some signs of parvovirus infection? Canine parvovirus causes lethargy; loss of appetite; fever; vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian promptly. How is canine parvovirus diagnosed and treated? Veterinarians diagnose canine parvovirus on the basis of clinical appearance and laboratory tests. No specific drug is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs. Treatment should be started immediately and consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections. Sick dogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care, and be separated from other dogs. Proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated kennels and other areas where infected dogs are housed is essential to control the spread of parvovirus. Canine parvovirus is not easily killed, so consult your veterinarian for specific guidance on cleaning and disinfecting agents. How is parvovirus prevented? Vaccination and good hygiene are critical components of canine parvovirus prevention. Vaccination—Vaccination is important. Young puppies are very susceptible to infection, particularly because the natural immunity provided in their mothers' milk may wear off before the puppies' own immune systems are mature enough to fight off infection. If a puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus during this gap in protection, it may become ill. An additional concern is that immunity provided by a mother's milk may interfere with an effective response to vaccination. This means even vaccinated puppies may occasionally succumb to parvovirus. To narrow gaps in protection and provide optimal protection against parvovirus during the first few months of life, a series of puppy vaccinations are administered. To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog's parvovirus vaccination is up-to-date. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination program for your canine companion. In spite of proper vaccination, a small percentage of dogs do not develop protective immunity and remain susceptible to infection. Hygiene—Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops, parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments). Reputable establishments and training programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs. Contact with known infected dogs and their premises should always be avoided. Finally, do not allow your puppy or dog to come into contact with the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing outdoors. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable as a way to limit spread of canine parvovirus infection. Although this brochure provides basic information about canine parvovirus, your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about canine parvovirus and its prevention. This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Redistribution is acceptable, but the document's original content and format must be maintained, and its source must be prominently identified. |
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