New dog virus spreads to Michigan, MSU seeks answers

MSU veterinarians say two dogs with circovirus have died. However, they also were infected with other organisms that were more likely to have caused their deaths.

Credit flickr - Olathe Animal Hospital in Olathe, KS

Dog owners in Michigan have a new reason to keep an eye on their pets. Last week, Michigan State University clinicians announced the arrival in Michigan of a virus that can make dogs sick.  The canine circovirus was first identified in California just last April.

It’s the first time the recently identified virus has been found in Michigan.

Dr. Tom Mullaney of MSU’s Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health says the possibility that circovirus plays a role in a dog's illness should be considered, but that role has not been clearly identified.