The facade of the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is pictured. (Photo courtesy of UPAWS)

SANDS — On Sunday, the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter announced that they were responding to a case of canine parvovirus involved with a recent puppy litter intake. Parvovirus is a highly contagious illness which can be fatal in dogs.

UPAWS has taken several steps to avoid spreading the illness. Dog surrenders have been suspended, as have stray dog intakes and dog meet-and-greets. The UPAWS Dog Park is closed until further notice, and the entire facility is engaging in enhanced sanitation, monitoring and isolation procedures.

“These steps are being taken carefully and responsibly to help protect the health and safety of the animals in our care and throughout our community,” said UPAWS.

UPAWS was not aware that the puppies were ill when they were admitted.

“A litter of puppies arrived at our shelter as part of a transfer intake from outside of our local area,” said UPAWS. “Prior to their arrival, we were provided documentation indicating they had been medically cleared by a veterinarian just days before.”

When staff noticed that the animals “appeared clinically ill,” they initiated isolation precautions. The puppies tested positive for parvovirus on Sunday. UPAWS stated that they “feel confident that the outbreak is contained within this litter and has not spread to our general shelter population.” The puppies remain isolated and are being given supportive care.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, canine parvovirus is a virus which attacks the white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other canids. All dogs are susceptible to parvovirus infection, but especially young puppies and unvaccinated dogs.

Canine Parvovirus can be fatal, especially in puppies, and symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain/bloating, fever or low body temperature and drooling.

“Canine parvovirus is easily spread by direct contact with infected dogs, contact with their feces (poop), or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces like kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs,” said the American Veterinary Medical Association’s page on parvovirus. “Contact between domestic dogs, feral dogs, and wild canids also may play a role in spreading the disease.”

Because parvovirus is so contagious, the case at UPAWS has resulted in a response from Poet’s Pet Parlor, who announced on Tuesday that they are requiring that all dogs who have recently visited the UPAWS dog park or who have been recently adopted from UPAWS stay home and not attend grooming or boarding appointments.

“Parvo(virus) is an incredibly serious disease for dogs, especially for those who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or young/elderly,” said Poet’s Pet Parlor. “Vaccination against Parvo is required to attend Poet’s, but we strongly suggest that any dog who is not already up to date on their vaccines get boosted now.

“No dogs currently attending Poet’s have contracted the virus, and we will continue to remain updated on UPAWS’s situation to ensure we are providing a safe and healthy environment for our canine clients!”

“At UPAWS, the well being of animals and the community we serve will always remain our top priority,” said UPAWS. We appreciate the public’s patience, understanding, and support during this time.”

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.