Pet owners in Michigan struggled with fear after a mysterious illness recently sickened and killed dozens of dogs inside the state. But local officials have now identified the offender behind the harrowing phenomenon. 

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Friday that canine parvovirus was answerable for the sudden deaths of the pet animals in the world, Latest York Post reported. 

“Canine parvovirus is a severe and highly contagious disease in dogs, however the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and veterinary professionals have extensive experience with this virus,” State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said in a press release obtained by the news outlet. 

The announcement just comes after one animal shelter in Otsego County reported no less than 30 dogs falling ailing as a result of the virus despite initially testing negative for it. 

The virus spreads through fecal matter via the oral-fecal route. This implies a dog may get infected after ingesting fecal material from an infected dog. The disease is manifested in symptoms reminiscent of tiredness, diarrhea and lack of appetite.

Wineland encouraged pet owners to have their canines vaccinated amid a possible outbreak in the world. In keeping with her, those not fully vaccinated are liable to catching the disease. 

“We’ve a highly effective vaccine available to assist protect dogs from the virus. Dogs that aren’t fully vaccinated against this virus are probably the most in danger. Dog owners across Michigan must work closely with their veterinarians to make sure their dogs are appropriately vaccinated and given timely boosters to maintain their pets protected and healthy,” she explained. 

What’s strange concerning the recent infections is that the dogs tested negative for parvovirus during point-of-care tests performed in shelters and clinics. This prompted Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory director Kim Dodd to call the situation “complex.”

“This example is complex because although the dogs displayed clinical signs suggestive of parvovirus, they consistently test negative by point-of-care tests performed in clinics and shelters. Screening tests for parvo are done to assist guide immediate isolation, disinfection, and treatment protocols,” Dodd said, as per ClickOnDetroit. 

She continued, “While those tests are worthwhile within the clinical setting, they aren’t as sensitive because the diagnostic tests we are able to perform here within the laboratory. We proceed to further characterize the virus in hopes of higher understanding why those animals were testing negative on screening tests.” 

State officials identified that pet owners mustn’t worry for themselves because canine parvovirus cannot infect people or other species of domestic animals.