Oahu sees uptick in deadly dog, cat virus cases

HONOLULU (KHON2) — According to the Hawaiian Humane Society, 24 dogs, mostly puppies and eight cats have died in the last two weeks from a deadly disease spreading across Oahu.

While most of the cases have appeared at the shelter’s Ewa Beach location, some cases are popping up in the Honolulu location as well.

The shelter said it’s seen 26 cases of canine parvovirus, and 10 cases of feline panleukopenia in the last 14 days.

“Both viral diseases are spread through fecal contamination,” explained Brandy Shimabukuro, communications manager for the Hawaiian Humane Society. “So, if you have a dog or a cat who is sick, whether they’re showing symptoms or not, and they’re dropping their fecal matter in some place in the community [dirt, sand, parks, sidewalks], even if it’s picked up if it’s someplace not sterilized right after, there is a chance your pet can pick it up.”

She said the virus can linger in grains of sand, blades of grass, and on sidewalks for six months up to a year.

“The increase [in cases] I think is just a higher concentration of pets out in the community that are unvaccinated,” Shimabukuro said. “I think that’s really what we’re seeing.”

Symptoms to look for include lethargy, diarrhea, bloody stool and vomiting.

“It’s really difficult, if you don’t catch those symptoms early enough it can prove to be fatal if you don’t get treatment right away,” she added.

She said puppies and kittens must get their vaccines from the vet and make sure pets are up to date with their annual shots.

“These vaccines you would give them annually, you’re just keeping them safe.”

She said DHLPP or DHPP is the typical annual booster a dog would get at the vet. For cats, it’s the FERCP vaccine and covers the virus and other things they could catch in the environment.

Others hope all pet owners can be responsible for keeping all animals safe.

“A lot of people aren’t as vigilant about animal vaccines as they need to be and I know it’s simple prevention can spare the life of a beautiful one like this,” said dog owner Lisa Ryan.

The shelter wants to remind people it takes about two weeks for the shots to be effective so keep your eye on your pet if you take them outside but don’t bring them around other dogs until the vet gives the all-clear. If your pet is sick, keep them away from other dogs and seek medical care right away.