FAIRBANKS — A deadly outbreak of canine parvovirus is being reported in Alaska’s interior, and is being blamed for several dog deaths.
State veterinarian Robert Gerlach says multiple cases of the infectious disease have been reported since January, according to reports his office has received from two veterinarians.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports that cases of parvovirus have occurred between Fairbanks and Cantwell.
According to Gerlach, the two veterinarians who notified his office are working with the owners of affected kennels to halt the spread of the disease. Parvovirus can include symptoms such as diarrhea, lack of appetite and vomiting. It can be fatal for dogs with compromised immune systems.
Gerlach doesn’t know how many dogs have been infected because canine parvovirus is not on Alaska’s list of mandatory reportable diseases.
