By Everton Bailey Jr., The Oregonian
A young female gray wolf found dead May 19 in northeastern Oregon died from a highly contagious disease among dogs and wild canines, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Thursday.
Lab results found that OR-19 died from complications of canine parvovirus, an often fatal disease among wild animals such as wolves, coyotes and foxes because they aren’t vaccinated against it, the department said. This is the first case of the virus found among wolves in Oregon and it’s not known if others in the state are affected.
The body of the Wenaha pack wolf was found in the Sled Springs game management unit of Wallowa County. State biologists had trapped the wolf on May 11 and released it in apparent good health with a GPS radio collar, the department said. The collar alerted biologists of a possible problem on May 17 and its body was found two days later.
Canine parvovirus outbreaks are more common among wolf populations in other western areas of the country, the department said. The disease is often found among pups.
The virus has caused brief dips in wolf populations in other states, but outbreaks aren’t expected to be a long-term threat to the species, the department said.
Oregon wolves will be monitored for any more signs of the disease.