Deadly Viral Outbreak in the Red River Valley Puts Dogs at Risk

A deadly outbreak of the Parvo virus has left one of the region’s busiest shelters on lockdown…and animals with nowhere to go.

Parvo is a highly contagious disease that can kill unvaccinated dogs and young puppies within mere days.

That’s why the shelter is asking us to lock down all our pets until they’re vaccinated — and asking for a little help for themselves, too.

It’s supposed to be a safe haven – but last week, shelter workers found out Parvo had made it anything but.

We’re leaving the last of the safe zones and going into the quarantine area where one dog was found sick with Parvovirus – a disease that can kill in days and takes thousands of dollars to cure.

“She started showing symptoms. Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea,” said Maranda Weathermon, Executive Director at Circle of Friends shelter in Grand Forks. “This is just a bad situation. Normally we have to deal with kitten season.”

Spring is crunch time anyway at shelters.

But now, no one here can be adopted out — and new animals have to be diverted to foster homes to prevent infection.

Ezekiel here can’t get Parvovirus, since it’s only spread to dogs. So if you want a small animal, or a cat, or anyone else non–canine to be your new best friend, you still have options.

Good for Ezekiel. But for these dogs on lockdown…

“His foster returned him into this nightmare. So he’s stuck here. Just poor timing on everyone’s part,” said Foster Coordinator Courtney Engel.

It’s going to be a long, lonely wait here… to keep a silent killer behind bars.

Shelter workers are urging all of us to keep dogs out of public places until they’re all up to date on their vaccines.

And if your dog shows signs like vomiting, lethargy, loose poops – please call your vet immediately.

This virus can kill your pet within days.

For more information on how to foster a dog or adopt an animal once the quarantine has passed, click here.