A virus for which there is no vaccine is making it’s way across the states .
The circovirus attacking dogs was first reported in June 2012, however, the virus has been found in pigs and birds prior to 2012.
Symptoms of circovirus in dogs include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Although no dogs with the circovirus have been identified in Nevada there have been documented cases in nearby states including Ohio and California.
It is unknown how the circovirus is contracted in dogs. In pigs it is transmitted through the manure and through contact with respiratory secretions
There is no vaccine to prevent the circovirus attacking dogs, therefore, the best prevention method is to keep a close eye on your dog.
Since the method of transmission in pigs is known to be through manure and respiratory secretions, it is advisable to be extra cautious when taking your dog to dogs parks and boarding facilities and to keep your dogs away from unknown or ill animals.
If your dog develops diarrhea or vomiting do not assume it is something mild and take your dog to the vet right away.
It may not be circovirus, however an early visit and examination at the onset of symptoms by a skilled veterinarian can help detect the virus early and gives your dog a better chance of a full recovery as they fight this new disease in canines.
Although it can be very scary if your dog does come down with circovirus, be aware that it is not necessarily a death sentence.
Initial research has shown that in a sampling of dogs tested that the circovirus was identified in the stool of 14 dogs out of 204 tested and the dogs affected showed no sign of illness.
At this point in time there is no evidence to suggest that circovirus can be transmittted from dogs to humans.