The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter, or UPAWS, is dealing with a case of parvovirus, a highly contagious illness that can be fatal in dogs. (Photo courtesy of UPAWS)

SANDS — The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter in Marquette County has temporarily closed to the public and non-essential traffic after announcing a case of canine parvovirus in a puppy litter earlier this week.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious illness that can be fatal in dogs.

In its statement, UPAWS officials said the shelter has taken several steps to avoid spreading the illness. Dog surrenders have been suspended, as have stray dog intakes and dog meet-and-greets. The UPAWS Dog Park is closed until further notice, and the entire facility is engaging in enhanced sanitation, monitoring and isolation procedures.

“These steps are being taken carefully and responsibly to help protect the health and safety of the animals in our care and throughout our community,” UPAWS said in a statement posted on its website.

UPAWS was not aware the puppies were ill when they were admitted, according to the statement.

“A litter of puppies arrived at our shelter as part of a transfer intake from outside of our local area,” UPAWS wrote. “Prior to their arrival, we were provided documentation indicating they had been medically cleared by a veterinarian just days before.”

When staff noticed that the animals “appeared clinically ill,” they initiated isolation precautions. The puppies tested positive for parvovirus Sunday.

UPAWS stated they “feel confident that the outbreak is contained within this litter and has not spread to our general shelter population.” The puppies remain isolated and are being given supportive care.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, canine parvovirus is a virus that attacks white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other canids. All dogs are susceptible to parvovirus infection, but especially young puppies and unvaccinated dogs.

Canine parvovirus can be fatal, especially in puppies, and symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain/bloating, fever or low body temperature and drooling.

“Canine parvovirus is easily spread by direct contact with infected dogs, contact with their feces (poop), or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces like kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs,” according to the AVMA’s page on parvovirus. “Contact between domestic dogs, feral dogs, and wild canids also may play a role in spreading the disease.”

Because parvovirus is so contagious, Poet’s Pet Parlor in Marquette on Tuesday asked that all dogs that recently visited the UPAWS dog park or were recently adopted from UPAWS stay home and not attend grooming or boarding appointments.

“Parvo(virus) is an incredibly serious disease for dogs, especially for those who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or young/elderly,” Poet’s Pet Parlor stated. “Vaccination against Parvo is required to attend Poet’s, but we strongly suggest that any dog who is not already up to date on their vaccines get boosted now.

“No dogs currently attending Poet’s have contracted the virus, and we will continue to remain updated on UPAWS’s situation to ensure we are providing a safe and healthy environment for our canine clients!”

“At UPAWS, the well being of animals and the community we serve will always remain our top priority,” UPAWS said in its statement. “We appreciate the public’s patience, understanding, and support during this time.”

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Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550, or alippert@miningjournal.net.