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Summer 2001 - Article 4

Disinfectant Update
Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus started appearing in the United States around 1978. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, especially puppies. Since so few dogs had developed natural antibodies in the late 1970's, a large number of dogs died from this disease. In some cases, the virus affected the heart and caused death within a few hours. This form of the disease is extremely rare today because of natural immunities.

The majority of dogs presented with CPV show signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and lack of appetite. In severe cases the diarrhea is watery and bloody and the dogs have significant abdominal pain. The virus is so strong that it literally causes the lining of the intestines to slough. The severe diarrhea causes dehydration and electrolyte (salt) disruption which adds to the weakness.

Parvo usually hits puppies. If exposed to the virus, they become sick sometime after five to six weeks of age when the mother's antibodies from her colostrum wear off. In older dogs, stressed and unvaccinated pets are most commonly affected. There is no cure for parvovirus - it just must run its course in the animal.

The source of the infection is fecal waste from infected dogs. It is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of infected dogs or by contaminated cages, shoes or other objects. It can be spread through saliva and nose-to-nose contact.

Unlike most viruses, CPV can remain viable in the environment for up to six months and there is little an owner can do to eradicate it from the yard. It is resistant to heat, detergents, alcohol and most disinfectants, but some quats have shown effectiveness against CPV at stronger dilutions including Essential's Neutral Germicidal Cleaner (#702).