Some Arizona animal clinics are raising concerns about a recent increase in parvovirus cases in dogs. The virus targets the immune system of canines and can be life-threatening.
Dogs contract the virus by coming into contact with areas where another infected pet may have been. Dogs also risk contracting the virus if they are not vaccinated.
Rory Lubold with the Northern Regional Veterinary Hospital in Phoenix says other animal clinics are seeing an uptick in parvovirus cases.
“So, there's probably a dozen clinics that we're in good contact with in Phoenix and Arizona. And it's a very common conversation amongst us right now. Just because when these things do happen, it's good for us to be able to communicate," he said.
Lubold says the uptick in the virus cannot be attributed to a specific cause but suspects incomplete or a lack of vaccinations plays a role.
He noticed the number of parvovirus cases among animals he’s seen coming to the hospital around this time has increased over tenfold compared to last year.
“I think, overall, it's tough because it is such an infectious disease and it can live in an environment for so long and it can be really, really devastating if they do get it," he said.
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