It could be another two to three weeks before quarantine measures are lifted at the Quinte Humane Society as staff continues to deal with a parvovirus outbreak.
Executive director Frank Rockett confirms 11 dogs have either died or been euthanized since December 24 – eight of which were young puppies in the society’s direct care and three in the community have passed away at various vets.
He said the situation is devastating.
Rockett explained of the 21 dogs they have in their care, one has tested positive for parvo but is not symptomatic. He said of the symptomatic dogs, 16 have been transferred to the Toronto Humane Society where they have veterinarians on staff. Further to that Rockett said the society learned on Thursday there is another dog with the virus that is being treated at a local vet.
At the Avonlough Road shelter, Rockett said staff is sticking to its cleaning regiment and they will have to go for a period of time without any outbreaks before they can come off the quarantine. The cat section of the shelter is open to the public as it is not affected by the outbreak.
Where the pups are concerned Rockett explains owners cannot vaccinate them when they are still nursing adding it takes two weeks for vaccine to kick in. “That’s the time frame when they are vulnerable and unfortunately none of the dogs were exhibiting symptoms to alert us during that time frame,” he said.
Rockett said he was first notified of the possible presence of parvo by new puppy parent Jennifer Smith via Facebook message on Christmas Day.
Smith told Quinte News she traveled from her home in Newcastle to the QHS to adopt up her new arrival, Riley on December 24. She said she knew when she got Riley home she knew right away something was wrong because all he wanted to do was sleep, he was constantly throwing up and he wouldn’t eat or drink. About six hours later Smith was told by a veterinarian at an emergency clinic that Riley had tested positive for parvovirus.
