Question:
I have heard conflicting opinions with regard to the parvovirus. My vet says it's not transmittable to humans. My doctor says it is.
My son lost two dogs to parvo in the last six months despite vaccinations, and I am concerned that the virus could be transmitted to my grandchildren. Please help clarify this issue.
K.B., Port Monmouth, NJ May 10, 2009
Answer:
Fortunately, parvovirus is not transmittable to humans. I wish those human doctors who are ignorant of such transmissible diseases as toxoplasmosis and roundworm visceral larva migrans would not panic their patients, especially pregnant ones, sometimes telling them to get rid of their pets.
Canine parvovirus may be a mutated strain of a modified live feline distemper or panleukopenia vaccine given to cats that cross-infected dogs. The cats were fine, but the dogs got sick and many, especially pups, continue to die. Now a mutated strain of parvovirus is making cats ill. I advise that all pups receive anti-parvovirus vaccinations as a safeguard. There is no 100-percent guarantee of protection, but, with maturity, many dogs acquire greater resistance.
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