Parvovirus Found in Wolf Killed in Hailey
Lab reports have come back positive for parvo in a wolf killed in the Hailey area, Idaho Fish and Game said Wednesday.
The wolf, a juvenile female, was killed on Jan. 22 by a homeowner who had observed the animal near the house for at least two days and noticed it was acting sick or injured, Idaho Fish and Game said Wednesday.
After the homeowner told Fish and Game of the kill, officers found the animal was emaciated and had green fluid diarrhea.
Tests were performed for rabies and parvovirus, and the results came in Tuesday. Although the wolf tested positive for parvo, the rabies test came up negative.
The parvovirus causes vomiting, diarrhea and ultimately death by dehydration in wolves and dogs, though dogs can be vaccinated. Pups between 6 weeks and 6 months are more susceptible than adults. Domestic dogs can be vaccinated against parvovirus, Fish and Game said.
This was not the first time parvo was found in wild wolves in Idaho.
In August 2009, six juvenile wolves were found dead on national forest land north of Fairfield. Analysis of the partially decomposed wolves eventually determined the cause of death to be canine parvoviral enteritis.
