Five dogs had to be euthanized at the Windsor-Essex Humane Society because of several cases of canine parvovirus.
Melanie Coulter, humane society executive director, says the first two incidences of illness emerged on Dec.26.
Several kennels had to be closed to prevent the spread of the virus. Ten dogs were quarantined for two weeks to ensure they didn’t catch it.
“It’s a real challenge,” says Coulter. “It’s frustrating. Our intake is reflecting what’s in the community and that’s why it’s heartbreaking.”
The humane society does vaccines on intake, but they don’t become effective until five days later. Coulter says if more dogs in the community were vaccinated, it would help reduce the spread of the disease.
There are a number of clinics in Windsor-Essex are offering vaccinations for a discounted rate of $50 from Feb. 1–15.
The shelter’s 30 dog kennels have re-opened and it is back to regular intake. Coulter says the virus only impacted the intake area, not the adoption area.
The highly contagious disease is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. It is usually most severe in puppies, particularly those not protected by maternal antibodies or vaccination.
Symptoms can include severe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, respiratory failure or cardiac failure.
