Parvovirus outbreak in St. Louis animal shelter: 19 dogs euthanized

In late April, the Saint Louis County Animal Care and Control Adoption Center experienced the “worst outbreak of Parvovirus” in the history of the county. The outbreak has been contained, but 19 dogs were euthanized. County Executive Sam Page said that the shelter was able to secure quickly medical supplies to treat animals during the emergency. The facility has also been cleaned thoroughly by staff and volunteers. However, the adoption center remains closed until further notice. 32 dogs are fostered by volunteers, while county officials plan to transfer another 185 to allow the complete sanitization of the structure. One dog is completing treatment in quarantine. Dr. Kanika Cunningham, Director of the St. Louis County Public Health Department, said she will conduct an internal review of the outbreak to identify and address any potential issue with internal systems and processes. She confirmed the intention of reopening the shelter soon after making it a healthier and safer place for animals.
Parvovirus affects dogs’ white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract. Its symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and fever. There have been 124 cases in Missouri and 58 in Illinois this year, according to ParvoTrack on Elanco.com.