(Ithaca, N.Y., September 26, 2024) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community about misinformation circulating on local social media platforms regarding cases of parvovirus in dogs at local housing units. TCWH is clarifying the situation, explaining the role of local health departments in animal virus management, and providing the community with accurate information regarding parvovirus in animals.
Whole Health has confirmed that residents at the concerned housing units have been notified, and increased cleaning has occurred at the impacted facilities. Additionally, multiple on-site veterinary clinics have been held, thanks to community partners, providing vaccination and medication to animals that may have been exposed. Follow up services, including additional veterinary clinics, will continue to be provided by those community partners as needed.
While parvovirus is a serious condition for dogs, this form of parvovirus does not spread to people. As such, it is not a “reportable disease” through the New York State Department of Health, which tracks diseases of infected humans.
Canine parvovirus (commonly known as Parvo) is a highly contagious virus spread among dogs and other canids like coyotes, wolves, skunks and foxes. The virus is spread through direct contact with infected animals, contact with feces from infected animals, or contact with contaminated surfaces (including kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who have handled the infected dog). Proper disinfection, proper collection and disposal of feces, and isolation of infected dogs are necessary steps to reduce the spread of this virus among dogs. The recommended course for proper disinfection is to mix half a cup (½ cup) of bleach with one gallon of water, applied to the surface area for ten (10) minutes before wiping. Items that cannot be properly disinfected, such as dog beds, will need to be thrown away.
All dogs are at risk of contracting parvovirus if unvaccinated. Puppies (between 6-20 weeks of age) are most at risk while their vaccination is not started or is not complete. Newborn puppies may have some immunity passed on through antibodies in the mother’s milk while nursing (if the mother dog was fully vaccinated). Puppies can receive their parvo vaccinations at 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age. They must receive a full series of vaccinations to ensure complete immunity. Puppies require a parvo booster vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age.
Symptoms of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, fever or low body temperature. If these symptoms are present in your pet, please contact a veterinarian's office immediately so that treatment may begin. Canine parvovirus is a serious medical condition for dogs, as persistent vomiting and diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock. This can lead to death, with most deaths occurring within 48 to 72 hours after signs first appear.
Whole Health Commissioner Frank Kruppa stated, “We all love our pets and want to do everything we can to protect them. What we can all do is get our pets vaccinated and talk to a veterinarian when we have concerns.”
Regarding how Whole Health addresses instances of disease spread in the community Kruppa stated, “Whole Health’s role is to maintain public health and alert the community to actionable information relevant to your health and safety. We engage daily with community partners and monitor situations around communicable disease, if and when something is at the level of community-wide public health concern, it will be communicated directly from Whole Health.”
“It appears that residents living in supportive housing are the target of misinformation spreading online. From a public health perspective, I would caution anyone in the community from targeting a group with misinformation or sharing second-hand accounts from an unofficial source. Seek out trusted sources of information, only share information from reputable or verified sources, and consider the human impact of what you share online,” added Kruppa.
It is essential to vaccinate your pets against parvovirus and other diseases. Contact your veterinarian's office to schedule an appointment. If you need assistance in obtaining proper care for your pet, please contact Cornell University’s Southside Community Clinic, which provides low-cost veterinary care for income qualifying local residents, including vaccinations. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by emailing southsidecornell@gmail.com.
While TCWH does not provide parvovirus vaccination, we do host several free Rabies Vaccination clinics annually, for dogs, cats and ferrets. Our next clinic will be held on Friday, October 18th, from 6pm-8pm in Groton, NY. Register in advance for an appointment online at: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/rabies#clinics
For more information about Canine parvovirus, please visit the American Veterinarian Medical Association’s webpage: www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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