Dog death toll rises to at least 11 amid Windsor canine virus outbreak

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Animal welfare officials have called in reinforcements to fight the outbreak of a fast-moving dog virus in downtown Windsor that has already killed at least 11 pets. 

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The Hamilton/Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is heading to Windsor to help vaccinate dogs in an attempt to stem the outbreak of canine parvovirus. 

“We’re aware they have some mobile services that they’re able to bring down to help Windsor’s humane society with some of the capacity they may need if this does escalate and the numbers rise,” Melanie Milczynski, Ontario’s chief animal welfare inspector, told the Star. 

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“Part of that is being able to anticipate as much as possible the resourcing needs of the community and making sure that it doesn’t get overwhelmed.” 

The Windsor Star first reported Thursday there has been an outbreak of canine parvovirus at the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation’s Glengarry Avenue apartment buildings. In addition to the 11 fatalities, the Star has since received an unconfirmed report of two dog deaths outside the Glengarry area.

Particularly dangerous to puppies and unvaccinated pets, canine parvovirus is one of the most serious viruses affecting dogs. It is extremely contagious and the death rate is high in untreated cases. Symptoms include vomiting, fever, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, and weight loss.   

The virus spreads easily through contact with infected dogs, direct or indirect contact with feces from infected dogs, or contact with other virus-contaminated surfaces. 

“Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease among unvaccinated dogs,” said Milczynski. “It can’t be contracted by people, but it can be transmitted by stepping in things that have the virus in them and then moving around with that.” 

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She said the province’s Animal Welfare Services received eight calls about the virus between Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, regarding a total of 15 infected dogs. She said 11 of those dogs have died. 

“There was one case where there were eight puppies that were affected that unfortunately could not be treated,” said Milczynski. “There were three dogs that when the humane society was made aware had already died as a result of contracting the virus.” 

She said animal services are currently caring for four more infected dogs. 

“There may be others in the complex that haven’t been brought to our attention or people who have identified it and are seeking their own medical treatment through their family vet,” said Milczynski. 

Anne Rene, a resident of 445 Glengarry, told the Star this week that her dog was among several that were infected. 

She said animal welfare officials seized her dog Zeus, an 11-month-old King Shepherd pitbull mix, on Monday. 

“It is very stressful because I don’t know where my dog is at,” Rene said this week. “I don’t know how he’s doing.” 

It’s also unknown how far the virus has spread beyond the Glengarry apartments. 

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“What we can confirm is it’s the Glengarry housing complex in Windsor,” said Milczynski. “I know that encompasses a number of buildings.” 

“What we’re really doing is focusing proactive and preventative efforts on all of the buildings in the complex, then addressing any cases of parvovirus that might be brought to our attention as they’re raised with us.” 

She said the province has partnered with Windsor Essex CHC, the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, and the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA to fight the outbreak. 

Ontario’s Animal Services called in the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA because they have a special mobile license to operate a temporary vaccination facility. 

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society doesn’t currently have such a license. But local humane society staff, including executive director Lynette Bain, will be helping with vaccination efforts. 

“We could apply for it but it would take time,” said Bain. “So, we’re partnering with another agency that already has a mobile license. It’s easier for them to mobilize, come here, and then we’ll assist them. It’s a cooperative action that Animal Welfare initiated.” 

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The current focus is vaccinating dogs in the Glengarry apartment buildings. 

“Parvovirus is one of the core vaccines that’s recommended for pets,” said Milczynski. “It’s very affordable. And if there is a risk that the virus could spread more broadly through that complex, then vaccines are the most effective way to mitigate that.” 

She said people with unvaccinated pets should avoid dog parks and other areas with potentially high canine traffic. And if your dog seems sick, act fast. 

“Speak to your vet if you have concerns,” said Milczynski. “And speak to your vet early on, just so that if your dog is sick, it can get the treatment that it needs. This disease can progress very quickly.” 

twilhelm@postmedia.com

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