Port Clinton -- An outbreak of canine parvovirus has appeared in the region, according to a local veterinarian. The aggressive and contagious virus causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea and can result in death if untreated according to Dr. Robert Geiger of Harborview Animal Hospital in Port Clinton.

"I've seen five cases in the last month and a half," said Geiger, who recalled perhaps only a single case in all of 2007. "It appears to be a new strain that's pretty tough," he said.

His affected patients live in the Oak Harbor and Marblehead area. Geiger also has spoken to vets in Sandusky and Oak Harbor who have seen cases in their offices. He, however, is not sure where those dogs live.

Although Geiger said none of the five cases he's seen recently has resulted in death, it's still extremely important for people to have their dogs immunized against the virus.

"Dogs that are not protected are coming down with it," Geiger said.

The virus is especially difficult to control because it's passed from dogs through stool. After that, the virus can live for more than a year in the soil where it's easily picked up on other dogs' paws.

"Then they lick their paws and ingest the virus orally," Geiger explained.

According to Geiger there are several breeds that are particularly affected by parvovirus. "Dobermans and rottweilers are extremely susceptible to it," he said.
That's why it's so important to get shots for puppies and dogs.