Arizona Parvo cases spike as vaccine skepticism spreads to pets

• Parvo is a highly contagious virus that targets the intestines and immune system and can be fatal.

State of play: The Arizona Humane Society operates one of the few specialized ICUs equipped to treat Parvo nationwide and has seen more than 200 cases in the past two months.

• That's more than one-third of the total cases it saw the year prior.

Between the lines: The organization cited a recent New York Times report that detailed how human vaccine hesitancy has led some owners to skip routine injections for their pets.

• A 2023 survey of pet owners in Vaccine Journal found that more than 50% were unsure of the importance, safety and efficacy of pet vaccinations.

The bottom line: "Vaccinating your pets is imperative not just for their safety but for the safety of our whole pet community," Arizona Humane Society president and CEO Steve Hansen said in a statement.