Three animal shelters in Chautauqua County, including locations as far south as Jamestown, have suspended new animal intakes following confirmed parvovirus cases among recently admitted dogs. Canine parvovirus, commonly known as "parvo," is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects dogs and other canids such as coyotes and wolves by targeting their white blood cells and gastrointestinal systems.
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Last week, the Small Town Shelter in Sherman reported its first case of parvo, expressing distress in a social media post: "We are devastated...and we are banging our heads against the wall trying to figure out how this happened," the shelter stated, highlighting that since its establishment in 2019, it had never previously encountered parvo.
Shortly afterward, Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue announced a temporary pause in intakes for two to three weeks after a dog tested positive for the virus. On Monday, the Chautauqua County Humane Society made a similar announcement, noting that it was also dealing with cases of ringworm and pan-leukopenia in cats as an additional concern.
Sheridan Dog Control Officer Nicole Welka emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the source of the outbreak, urging pet owners to exercise caution when taking their dogs out in public. Certain dogs are at higher risk for parvovirus, including puppies aged six to twenty weeks, unvaccinated animals, and specific breeds such as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, and English Springer Spaniels.
Welka highlighted the importance of vaccination, stating, "The most important thing is to make sure your dogs are vaccinated for parvo. Most dogs that are vaccinated as puppies are okay, but they can still get it; it may not be as serious, but they still will get it."
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends several protective measures for pet owners, including avoiding public dog gatherings until initial vaccinations are completed, choosing establishments that require updated vaccinations, and ensuring proper hygiene around infected dogs. Owners are also urged to keep their dogs away from other sick animals and to carefully dispose of their dog's feces to prevent the spread of the virus.