2 dogs in my area (N, Staffs) have died of Parvovirus. I don't know whether this was confirmed by a laboratory test,  or whether they had been vaccinated, tho' I suspect they were, at least as puppies ( I have met the owners in passing).
Do other diseases cause similar, serious symptoms? Could it be a misdiagnosis? I don't know if vets routinely confirm the causative organism.
Following much research, I now only have the initial vaccs & 1st booster for my dogs as I believe them to now be protected for life. I am aware of the titre testing available.
Does anyone know whether it could be possible for a NEW strain of parvo to be about? Has anyone heard of this happening anywhere?
What are people's opinions & what would your advice be? I am keeping them in my own garden for now.

As parvo suddenly appeared as if from nowhere in the 70s (and what a nightmare time that was), it wouldn't surprise me if a new strain had developed. In fact this article says that it has already mutated several times.

There was an illness earlier on in the year going around certain areas that was similar to parvo but wasn't parvo!

I believe that canine Parvovirus is thought to be a mutation identified in the 70's from feline Parvovirus, which has been around for a long time.

Parvo is still around unfortunately.  It possibly has mutated several times but I have not heard of a new strain that is exempt from vaccination.  I 'think'...... there are 2 strains that are protected against by the vaccination.  But don't quote me on that.....

Vaccinations, although successful in the vast majority of dogs, some individuals do not 'take' to the vaccine. My vet had 2 parvo cases a few months ago (North Yorks), both dogs died. 

I believe there are some other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of parvo.  Vets can blood/stool test to confirm diagnosis. 

It is entirely possible, in fact id be highly surprised if 'parvo' had NOT mutated at some point in the years since it first cropped up.

There are also other causes of parvo like symptoms, and generally speaking no, vets do not test to find out if it is or isnt parvo, since the treatment is the same anyway.

The efficacy of the parvo virus in certain breeds is questionable, parvo vaccines can CAUSE the disease also.

I personally do puppy vaccs, at an older age than usually recommended (6 months, not 8 weeks).

I dont think however that you are doing your ddogs many favours keeping them locked up in the garden rather than walking them!

Em

We live in Bristol and have had letters from our vet reminding everybody to vaccinate (ours are up to date)  as there is Parvo in the area, 7 dogs have died just recently! :-( 

>There are also other causes of parvo like symptoms, and generally speaking no, vets do not test to find out if it is or isnt parvo, since the treatment is the same anyway.

This is the bit that I can't get my head round.  Vets are claiming that there are parvo cases yet some won't test for it as the treatment is the same anyhow and no doubt there may be some owners who won't pay for the testing because it makes no difference to the treatment. They can't know it is parvo without confirmed testing.

They can't know it is parvo without confirmed testing.

Exactly Spender.  It's always been the same. :(  I have never know a Vet test before announcing "It's Parvo"!  Even when the patient is lost, they still do not test, but an article in the local paper gets everyone running for boosters. :( 
When I lived in Berkshire I contacted (different) Vets 3 times after items in the local rag, and not one had tested any of their dogs that they were treating for Parvo, and gave exactly that reason, the treatment would be the same.........

I have heard there is a new strain of parvo which of course dogs are not immune to via their existing vaccines thats in cambridgeshire