Canine parvovirus first emerged in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia in 1978, when a virus similar to feline panleukopenia virus crossed over from cats to cause a new type of disease among domestic dogs. An ongoing worldwide concern, CPV-2 has since mutated into three strains (CPV-2a, -2b, and -2c) that vary in prevalence geographically.
Jonathan E. Fogle DVM, PhD, DACVIM updates information on the pathology, clinical signs, vaccination and testing. He emphasizes the importance of communicating parvo vaccination as a core vaccine for canine wellness. Discussing any vaccine concerns and the risks of not vaccinating is key to client understanding and compliance.
Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, March/April 2021. Link.
INSIGHTS: This is an excellent resource worthy of review by any animal health professional. Parvo vaccination is another example of the importance of herd immunity to avoid the wildfire-like spread experienced in the late 1970’s.