The Parvo 2C virus is a new strain that has entered the U.S. from Europe. Dr. Kapil, a researcher from Oklahoma State University is currently studying its characterisitc and progression throughout the U.S. So far it is mostly concentrated along the southern boarder, Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California but there have been reported cases from Oregon and the mid west.
According to Gary Kath of Intervet Inc., Parvo 2C is a very deadly and fast acting strain of Parvovirus. It resembles the 1980's Parvo in that the dog comes in so sick it cannot even lift its head to drink water. It is killing adults as well as puppies. One of the unique aspects of this Parvo strain is that sometimes it comes up negative on the SNAP® test (a common test used by veterinarians to identify the virus). Kath is currently working with veterinarians across the northwestern states to collect samples for Dr. Kapil's research.
The good news, Kath says, is that Intervet's Continuum Parvo vaccine, CPV-154, has been challenge-tested against the new Parvo 2C strain in Europe (where it is most prevalent) and it provided 100% protection and no viral reproduction!
This means all dogs vaccinated at Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital are 100% protected since this is the vaccine we use to protect your pet! The outstanding results produced by Intervet make them one of the few companies we feel comfortable working with.
Parvo, in any form, can be a devastating threat to a dog's health. All owners are encouraged to keep their canine companion's vaccinations up to date. If you're unsure about your pet's vaccination history, or your pet is overdue for vaccination, please call Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital at 503-579-3300. |
