Canine circovirus was found in dogs that fell sick and died from an unnamed disease in California, Ohio and Michigan.
Recently, six dogs across California and Ohio fell sick and died from an unnamed disease. Two similar cases were reported in Michigan and researchers discovered the presence of canine circovirus in the dogs.
However, since other viruses and bacteria were also found it the sickened dogs, researchers cannot confirm that circovirus was responsible for the illness.
"It is important to note that circovirus has been found in the feces of healthy dogs. Also, the initial research shows that nearly 70% of dogs showing clinical signs of illness and found positive for circovirus were also infected with other viruses or bacteria known to cause disease. Currently, circovirus by itself is not associated with a specific disease process. However, co-infection with canine circovirus and other pathogens may have the potential to cause disease as has been demonstrated in other species, for example pigs," said Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH) acting director, Thomas Mullaney.
Officials of the DCPAH noted that this should not create a sense of panic among dog owners and veterinarians should also investigate a possible canine circovirus infection after ruling out other possible causes of the symptom. They also said that there is no current proof that the virus can be transmitted to humans or cause human diseases.
Canine circovirus is very common throughout the world. It can cause post-wearing multisystemic wasting syndrome in 2-to-4-month-old animals (usually pigs or birds), resulting in weight loss, poor growth and high death rates.
