Our hearts go out to Oprah Winfrey who recently adopted a puppy from a local Chicago Shelter that had been exposed to parvo virus while at the shelter. Her other puppy is clinging to life at a local animal hospital. Please be sure your puppy is vaccinated and de wormed regularly to prevent this tragic disease. Also make sure that your puppy has been vaccinated before you adopt them and make check the shelter for any other sick puppies they may have been exposed too.  (see the whole story here and here)
Parvo is a devastating virus that attacks young puppies causing severe vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes even toxic shock. Here is some more information concerning parvo virus
1) Canine Parvovirus arrived in the US in the late 1970s causing great concern among dog breeders, dog showers, veterinarians and all pet owners. Fortunately, development of effective vaccines helped check the spread of parvo.

2) Today, parvo is still a concern among specific breeds of dogs (Rottweilers, Dobermans, pit bulls), any young dogs, and any dogs who don’t receive routine veterinary care (unvaccinated pets).

3) The original strain of parvo virus that arrived in the 1970s is known as CPV-2b. Recently, Internet rumors have started circulating describing a new strain of parvo known as CPV-2c.

4) New strains of most viruses occur regularly due to mutations in the genetic code. It is not surprising that a new strain of canine parvovirus has been found.

5) Many Internet sites, chat rooms, and pet blogs have been buzzing with this knowledge, claiming that the new strain is deadlier than the older strain.

6) All research to date shows that dogs who have been vaccinated with current vaccines are still protected against this newer strain of parvo.

7) Furthermore, there is no evidence that the new strain (2c) is more virulent, harder to kill (more resistant to disinfectants) or more difficult to diagnose. Variant strain 2c will show a positive reaction on commercially available test kits at your veterinarian’s office.