Mobile clinic administering vaccines amid canine parvovirus outbreak

A dog vaccine clinic is being held amid a canine parvovirus outbreak at local apartment buildings in Windsor, Ont. on Dec. 14, 2024. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

A team of animal care workers is operating out of the Glengarry Avenue apartment buildings in light of a deadly outbreak of canine parvovirus.

Members of the Hamilton/Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Windsor-Essex County Humane Society are operating a free mobile vaccination clinic out of an empty apartment unit.

Michelle Macnab, the director of Community Services for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA said a mobile vet license allows her team to travel into other communities requiring assistance.

“So, we're here to lend some hands,” Macnab told CTV News.

“It's a very highly contagious virus for dogs, especially those that are unvaccinated, so that's what we're here for today.”

Michelle Macnab, the director of Community Services for the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA seen in Windsor, Ont. on Dec. 14, 2024. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

According to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, canine parvovirus can spread through contact between dogs, as well as feces.

Symptoms of parvo include lethargy, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea.

On Friday, CTV News Windsor reported the outbreak killed 11 dogs, including eight puppies, and an additional eight dogs remain in the care of animal welfare.

Macnab said they observed 20 dogs in their first two hours of work at the mobile clinic.

“Most at risk are going to be very young puppies or elderly dogs, but anybody who has not had a vaccine definitely wants to make sure that they're getting their dog vaccinated,” Macnab said.

While testing was not provided on-site, Macnab said dogs who show symptoms must be examined by a veterinarian.

Representatives of Animal Welfare also attended the mobile clinic.

“They do require care. That is not something that they can provide at home, so certainly, if they're seeing any vomiting, any diarrhea, if their pet is not feeling the greatest, looking very lethargic, definitely a call to their veterinarian is their next step and very important to do so,” Macnab said.

The mobile clinic is scheduled to continue at 333 Glengarry Avenue until 5 p.m., however, Macnab said they will stay later if necessary.

- With files from CTV News Windsor’s Chris Campbell.