Hawaiian Humane Society urges community action as Parvovirus and Panleukopenia cases rise

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiian Humane Society is calling on the community for immediate action as it faces a spike in canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline panleukopenia (FPV) cases, particularly among puppies and kittens.

Over the past two weeks, the organization has reported an alarming increase in these highly contagious diseases at its Kosasa Family Campus at Hoopili.

These illnesses, spread through fecal contamination, can lead to severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and weakened immune systems. If left untreated, they can be fatal.

“All pets entering our shelters receive vaccinations upon admission, but many have not been vaccinated before arriving,” explained Dr. Becca Boronat, a National Shelter Medicine Veterinarian. “The stress of the shelter environment makes them more vulnerable to infections.”

To help combat this outbreak, the Hawaiian Humane Society is urging the community to pause owner surrenders unless it’s an emergency.

They are also promoting their Home to Home platform, which allows pet owners to find new homes for their pets directly, helping ease the burden on shelters.

For those considering adoption, now is a great time.

All adoption fees for dogs and cats are waived until September 30, thanks to Best Friends Animal Society.

Every adoptable pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and given preventive care.

Foster homes are urgently needed for healthy animals to minimize the risk of disease spread in shelters.

To encourage fostering, the first ten families matched with medium or large dogs will receive a $200 Visa gift card after a two-week commitment.

The society also encourages pet owners to take steps to reunite lost animals with their families before bringing them to shelters. If you find a stray, file a Found Pet Report and have the animal scanned for a microchip.

Finally, it’s crucial to keep pets up-to-date on vaccinations and to spay or neuter them to help reduce overpopulation.

“What’s happening in the shelters reflects what’s happening in the community,” Dr. Boronat emphasized. “We need everyone to step up and help get as many healthy pets adopted or into foster homes as possible.”

The Hawaiian Humane Society’s Kosasa Family Campus and Moiliili Campus remain open for adoptions and fostering, implementing strict disease prevention protocols.

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The community’s immediate action is essential to contain this outbreak and save lives.