KINGSVILLE - - The Ashtabula County Animal Protective League shelter is in full quarantine following an outbreak of the deadly canine virus parvo, which infected 27 puppies and one dog, APL Director Michael Riffe said.

"We are shut down until July 30 with all dogs under quarantine. We will not accept dogs, or adopt-out dogs, until we are sure this outbreak is completely gone," he said.

The first sign of parvo came last week when 15 puppies fell ill. Those puppies were born in a foster home and vaccinated, then brought to the shelter and were given a second round of vaccinations, Riffe said.

"They were healthy puppies, born and vaccinated in the best conditions," he said.

In an effort to contain the virus, 12 other puppies and a 1-year-old dog were euthanized after they, too, tested positive for parvo, Riffe said.

"It can cost hundreds of dollars to treat a dog with parvo, and the disease is usually fatal anyway," he said.

All dogs admitted to the APL shelter are vaccinated for parvo, Riffe said. "But no vaccination is 100-percent foolproof," he said.

Riffe calls the parvo outbreak "a countywide epidemic."

"Local vets are reporting case after case of parvo. So this is something within the area, not just the shelter," Riffe said. "I'm not sure why, but this has hit Ashtabula County hard."

Shelter workers and volunteers are continually scrubbing and disinfecting the walls, cages, floors, dishes and any other object that may have come in contact with the ill dogs, Riffe said.

"Between the loss of (adoptions), labor, disinfectant, bleach and vet bills, I would say this outbreak cost the shelter just under $6,000, so far," Riffe said.

The Trifectant cleanser the shelter uses costs $80 a canister, and Riffe estimates the shelter needs another 20 to 30 gallons of bleach.

Beyond the cost and danger, Riffe said dogs with parvo suffer greatly from the virus.

"The dogs were so sick, there was no way to save them. Parvo is devastating to a dog in every short time," he said.

Devastating in puppies and highly contagious, parvo attacks the lining of the digestive system and causes a disruption in a dog's ability to absorb nutrients or liquids. Symptoms are dramatic and include diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Usually, the dogs stop eating and develop a bloody, foul-smelling, liquid stool.

The virus can last a long time in the environment, perhaps nine months or longer if it is not killed by disinfectant.

"Honestly, people should take the time and money and have their dogs vaccinated for parvo. The cost of a parvo vaccination is $125. Treatment for parvo can cost $500 or more, and usually parvo is fatal anyway," Riffe said.

Cats and other animals are not affected by parvo, which is carried exclusively by dogs. Humans can carry the virus on clothing or shoes and infect unvaccinated dogs. The virus most commonly is transmitted via canine fecal matter; it is not an airborne virus. Rottweilers and pit bull terriers are particularly susceptible to parvo.

The shelter houses more than 100 dogs, and many are puppies. Dogs showing any signs of sickness or lethargy were tested for parvo. Puppies were given booster vaccinations and were removed from the shelter population, Riffe said.

"We aren't taking any chances," he said.

Only foster dogs will be taken to the APL's weekend shelter at the Ashtabula Mall this weekend.

APL needs disinfectant, other cleaning supplies



KINGSVILLE - - Animal Protective League shelter workers reach for the bleach all day long during the disinfecting of the shelter's entire interior following an outbreak of the deadly canine virus parvo.

"We are going through the stuff by the gallon. You would think we are drinking it," shelter director Michael Riffe said.

Gallons of disinfectant and other cleaning agents, and dozens of mops, rags and sponges, are in high demand at the shelter while workers and volunteers work to kill any remaining germs.

Bleach, sponges, buckets, mops, cleansers, rags, laundry detergent and towels are needed during this difficult time at the shelter, Riffe said.

Riffe estimates the shelter will need another 20 to 30 gallons of bleach to get through the two-week quarantine period.

Also, paper towels, liquid laundry soap and dish soap are needed.

"And hard dog-chew toys. We had to throw every single one away for fear of contamination," Riffe said.

Because the outbreak and quarantine will cost the shelter nearly $6,000 in veterinary supplies, labor, supplies and adoption fees, money donations always are appreciated, Riffe said.

To make a donation, visit the shelter at 5970 Green Road every day but Wednesday, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. or send checks, payable to APL, to 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, 44004.

For more information on the shelter or a specific animal, call (440) 224-1222.

- - MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer

Click here to order our 7/18/2007 Archive edition.