Health

Deadly Parvovirus Cases Increasing in Puppies on St. Croix; Animal Welfare Center Urging Vaccination of Pets

More than a dozen pet owners have come to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center Community Clinic recently seeking help for their sick puppies that are infected with the dangerous parvovirus, according to a release the Animal Shelter issued Friday. There is no cure for parvovirus, and it is often fatal in puppies and young dogs that are not vaccinated. "But parvo can be prevented by vaccination," the Animal Shelter said. "All puppies and dogs under two years old should be vaccinated against parvovirus." The Animal Shelter said parvovirus is especially dangerous because it is very contagious; a dog can spread parvo to other dogs before any sign that it is sick. Parvo spreads through a dog’s feces, and through contaminated objects like food and water bowls, kennels, and toys. Parvo is also dangerous because it lives for a long time in the environment — the virus can live up to a month inside your house, and up to five years outside in your yard, according to the release. The recent heavy ...