Mysterious Deaths of Over 30 Dogs from Symptoms Similar to Canine Parvovirus Being Investigated in Michigan

Mysterious deaths of more than 30 dogs are being investigated by Michigan officials as of Tuesday, August 23. The dogs exhibited symptoms like bloody diarrhea or vomiting similar to parvo, a disease caused by the canine parvovirus, which infects the canine group like dogs, foxes, wolves, and among others. The highly contagious viral disease mainly targets puppies and gastrointestinal tract.

The unusual canine parvovirus-like illness infected the dogs in Otsego County, Northern Michigan, where most of the animals died within just three days. Local authorities said veterinarians initially tested the dogs but return a negative result for the virus, notoriously known for killing multiple dogs worldwide since it became known for several decades.

The canine parvovirus first emerged among dogs in Europe by 1976. It was only in 1978 until the pathogen had spread unchecked globally, leading to a worldwide epidemic of diseases such as myocarditis and gastroenteritis, the inflammation of the intestines. If left untreated, parvo can have a high fatality right for the infected animals.

Mysterious Dog Deaths

(Photo : Photo by ETIENNE TORBEY/AFP via Getty Images)

The Otsego County Animal Shelter first revealed about parvo-related cases in early August, saying they have continued to receive reports over the past month.

While the main cause of dog deaths remain unknown, Melissa FitzGerald, director of Otsego's animal shelter and control unit, told NBC News on Tuesday that all dogs were believe to have died from the deadly parvo disease.

The so-called "disturbing reports" prompted the investigation by several state and local agencies, including, animal control agencies, veterinarians, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers, and the US Department of Agriculture.

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What is Parvovirus Infection?

The canine parvovirus or CPV mainly affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies young than 16 weeks are at most risk of contracting the illness, which is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact. It is also transmitted through contact with contaminated feces, environments, or people, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The most common parvovirus symptoms include lethargy, appetite loss, abdominal pain, bloating, fever, hypothermia, and vomiting, severe or bloody diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration and intestinal damage, the AVMA says.

Most deaths from parvovirus fell within the 48 to 72 hours window since the start of clinical signs. Local health authorities are urging dog owners to remain vigilant if their dogs are showing such sumptoms.

Parvovirus Transmission

CPV is not a zoonotic infection or disease, meaning they cannot be passed onto humans but only amongst canines. However, 3certain mutations or variants of the disease is still possible.

CPV enters the bloodstream upon infection, mainly targeted rapidly dividing cells, making a large impact ward the bone marrow and in the cells that line the walls of a small intestine.

Furthermore, it does not only targets the intestines but also strikes the heart, leading to inflammation heart muscle, arrhythmias, and poor function, according to the Cornell University - College of Veterinary Medicine.