[This FAQ document is based on what we currently know about this virus. As we receive more information, this document will be updated.]

Q:

  What is canine parvovirus type 2c?

  Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is the virus that causes "parvo" enteritis in dogs. There are several variants of CPV-2; all of the variants of CPV-2 are genetically related.

CPV-2c differs from CPV-2a and CPV-2b at only one point on the DNA strand
Canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) is a variant of canine parvovirus. It was first detected in Italy in 2000, and has also been reported in Western Europe, Asia, and South America. Outbreaks of canine parvovirus associated with CPV-2c in the United States were confirmed in 2006 and 2007.

Canine parvovirus type 2b (CPV-2b) is the most common variant of the canine parvovirus in the United States, but CPV-2c is becoming the second most common variant.

Q:

  What type of infection does CPV-2c cause?

  CPV-2c causes similar signs as those seen with infection with CPV-2a and CPV-2b. These include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and dehydration. The bloody diarrhea might be mild or absent with CPV-2c infection, but affected dogs are more likely to stop eating. Without treatment, many affected animals die. Severe cases may die despite aggressive treatment.
To read more about canine parvovirus, view the AVMA's brochure, "What you should know about canine parvovirus," at http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/canine_parvo/parvo_brochure.asp.

Q:

  Who is susceptible to CPV-2c infection?

  The risk for infection with CPV-2c and other variants of the canine parvovirus (as well as many other infectious diseases) is highest when large numbers of dogs are housed together in close confinement, such as boarding/training kennels, shelter facilities, dog shows, and racing greyhound kennels. Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible to infection, but puppies and unvaccinated or improperly vaccinated dogs are at higher risk of infection and illness. There is no evidence that CPV-2c, or the other canine parvovirus variants, can infect people.

Q:

  How is CPV-2c transmitted?

  As with other parvoviruses, CPV-2c is highly contagious and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.

Q:

  How is CPV-2c infection diagnosed?

  Because the signs are similar for CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c infection and illness, the types cannot be distinguished by examination or the signs of disease observed. Commercially available fecal tests are able to detect all variants of CPV-2, including CPV-2c.

Q:

  What is the treatment for CPV-2c infection?

  As with the other variants of canine parvovirus, treatment of individual dogs consists of supportive care and efforts to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, control vomiting and diarrhea, and prevent secondary infections. There is no specific anti-viral therapy for CPV-2c infection. Since CPV-2c and other variants of canine parvovirus are highly contagious, isolation of infected dogs is necessary to minimize spread of infection.

Q:

  Is there a vaccine for CPV-2c?

  Although there is no vaccine to specifically prevent CPV-2c infection, studies have shown that all of the currently available vaccines produced by the five major vaccine manufacturers (Fort Dodge Animal Health, Intervet, Merial, Pfizer and Schering-Plough), when administered appropriately, provide excellent immunity to all variants of the canine parvovirus.

Puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they received earlier, to develop adequate protection.

Q:

  How is CPV-2c infection managed?

  Strategies for reducing the spread of CPV-2c infection are the same as those for other variants of CPV, and include isolation of ill dogs (as well as any dogs exposed to ill dogs), biosecurity measures (such as changing of clothes and hand washing after handling affected dogs), and effective sanitation. Parvoviruses are very hardy, are resistant to many disinfectants, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time.

Q:

  How is CPV-2c infection prevented?

  When a dog develops parvo, treatment can be very expensive, and the dog may die despite aggressive treatment. Vaccinating your dog is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Dogs with vomiting or diarrhea or other dogs which have been exposed to ill dogs should not be taken to kennels, show grounds, dog parks, or other areas where they will come into contact with other dogs. Similarly, unvaccinated dogs should not be exposed to ill dogs or those with unknown vaccination histories. People who are in contact with sick or exposed dogs should avoid handling of other dogs or at least wash their hands and change their clothes before doing so.

For additional information:

Hong C, Decaro N, Desario C et al. Occurrence of canine parvovirus type 2c in the United States. J Vet Diagn Invest 2007; 19: 535-539.
Kapil S, Cooper E, Lamm C et al. Canine parvovirus types 2c and 2b circulating in North American dogs in 2006 and 2007. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45: 4044-4047.
Larson LJ, Quesada M; Mukhtar E, et al. Evaluation of a CPV-2 fecal parvovirus ELISA (SNAP Fecal Parvo Test ®) from Idexx Laboratories. 88^th Conf Res Workers in Anim Dis 2007, p. 112.
CPV Update, Amer Anim Hosp Assoc; May 28, 2007.
Oklahoma State University press release: http://www.cvhs.okstate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=437
Schultz RD, Larson LJ. Current canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) vaccines provide excellent immunity to all genotypes of CPV-2 (eg CPV-2a, 2b, and 2c). 88th Conf Res Workers in Anim Dis 2007, p. 113.

Source: Staff research, Communications Division; Dr. Ron Schultz, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.
Contact: Dr. Kimberly May, Medical/Science Writer, AVMA Communications Division, 847-285-6667 or kmay@avma.org.

This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Redistribution is acceptable, but the document's original content and format must be maintained, and its source must be prominently identified.