Veterinarian Testifies Lack of Isolation, Staff and Supplies Led to Euthanasia of About 19 Dogs in St. Louis County Parvovirus Outbreak

Dr. Douglas Pernicoff, the veterinary director who worked at the St. Louis County animal shelter from Jan. 21, 2025, until May 9, testified June 26 that limited isolation capacity, shortages of staff and medical supplies, and the absence of finalized written protocols contributed to decisions to euthanize roughly 19 animals during a parvovirus outbreak in April and May.

The testimony came during a Committee of the Whole hearing that the council convened to continue its investigation into shelter operations after the county takeover from the APA earlier this year. The committee’s stated purpose for the hearing included “updates on shelter operations … including but not limited to the parvo outbreak,” and members entered county ordinances and resolutions into the record as evidence.

Why it matters: the county-run shelter houses hundreds of animals and a sudden infectious outbreak can spread quickly in congregate settings. Pernicoff told the council the shelter population numbered “about 240 animals” at the time and that a first clinically positive dog—what he called “patient 1”—was located in a large communal kennel and could not be moved because the facility had no legitimate isolation or quarantine space.

Pernicoff said the initial positive test prompted staff to implement personal protective equipment, revaccination and increased cleaning, but that options for individual treatment were limited by equipment, supplies and staff. “The typical dog would cost about 1,100 to 1,200 to treat,” he said of intensive monoclonal-antibody treatments used in some clinics, and added the shelter did not have enough supplies or staffing to provide…