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Email: timberwolfinfonetwork@gmail.com
Email: timberwolfinfonetwork@gmail.com

ID: Wolf infected with parvovirus killed near Hailey

by Roger Phillips

Idaho Fish and Game reported a Hailey-area homeowner killed a wolf on Jan. 22 that had been observed near his house for at least two days and was acting sick or injured. The homeowner notified Idaho Fish and Game officials, who retrieved the carcass, and wildlife veterinarian Mark Drew preformed a standard necropsy, including submitting tissue samples to test for rabies and parvovirus, which is a common canine virus.

Test results were negative for rabies, and on February 14, lab reports came back positive for parvo, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, and ultimately death from dehydration. Parvovirus is highly contagious, and is often fatal in canines, including wolves and dogs. Pups between six weeks and six months are more susceptible than adults. Domestic dogs can be vaccinated against parvovirus.

F&G reports this was not the first time parvo has been found in wild wolves. In August 2009, six juvenile wolves were found dead on national forest land north of Fairfield, and necropsies determined the cause of death was related to parvo.

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