TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The mystery of why some dogs in Northern Michigan have been getting sick and dying appears to have been answered, at least in part, by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) by tests that were facilitated by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

Dogs in Otsego and Clare counties were reported to have parvo-like symptoms but when tests were done locally by veterinarians or animal shelters, they tested negative. However, to date, the results that have come back to the MSU lab that were completed by PCR tests have shown that the dogs had canine parovirus.

MORE NEWS: Former High School Soccer Ref Faces Assault Charges After Alleged Scuffle with Teen Player

The tests that were done by local vets or animal shelters were a different kind of testing which Courtney Chapin, the media contact at MSU’s VDL, called “rapid tests.” She said that while a positive test with a rapid test usually means a positive test, a negative test doesn’t always mean a negative test. She want on to say that if a veterinarian or animal shelter has a dog who is displaying parvo-like symptoms but testing negative, they should send the testing on to the MSU lab for the more extensive PCR test.

MSU VDL Director Kim Dodd, DVM, says, “Screening tests for parvo are done to help guide immediate isolation, disinfection and treatment protocols. While those tests are valuable in the clinical setting, they are not as sensitive as the diagnostic tests can can perform here in the laboratory. We continue to further characterize the virus in hopes of better understanding why those animals were testing negative on screening tests.”

So now the job of MSU and MDARD with the help of community partners all around the state, including veterinarians and animal shelters, is to figure out why the rapid tests are not picking up on the virus and if there is a new strain that we need to be concerned about.

Although the affected dogs tested at MSU didn’t have a history of complete vaccination, when the Otsego County Animal Control first reported the dying community dogs in their county, they said that some of them had been vaccinated.

Nora Wineland, DMV and the State Veterinarian said, “Canine parvovirus is severe and highly contagious disease in dogs, but MDARD and veterinary professionals have extensive experience with the virus. We have a highly effective vaccine available to help protect dogs from the virus. Dogs that are not fully vaccinated against the virus are the most at risk. Dog owners across Michigan must work closely with their veterinarians to ensure their dogs are appropriately vaccinated and given timely boosters to keep their pets safe and healthy. Protecting Michigan’s dogs is a team effort.”

Some news outlets have erroneously reported that the dogs getting Parvo are shelter dogs but that has not been proven to be true. When Michigan News Source contacted the Ostego County Shelter and the Clare County Shelter, they both said that they did not have a Parvo outbreak. The shelters have been working with dog owners to share information and help facilitate testing and have been in contact with MSU and MDARD.

MORE NEWS: Firearm Deer Season Takes Aim in Michigan Today

MDARD is encouraging all dog owners to keep up with routine vaccinations by ensuring dogs/ puppies are vaccinated against canine parvovirus, rabies, canine distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis by a veterinarian. They also encourage having dogs/puppies fully vaccinated before interacting with other animals; keeping them home and away from other dogs if they are exhibiting any signs of illness; contacting your vet if they are sick; and to be sure to clean up after your pet when you walk them in public.

MDARD reports that canine Parvovirus is not contagious to people or other species of domestic animals, is common in Michigan and not required to be reported to the state veterinarian’s office.