12-05-2025
Veterinary director at St. Louis County Animal Care & Control resigns
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – The veterinary medical director at St. Louis County's animal shelter has resigned, nearly a month after an outbreak of canine parvovirus at the facility.
Dr. Doug Pernikoff informed our news partners at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he can no longer work at the St. Louis County Animal Care and Control Adoption Center, adding that he's 'too old to fight.' Pernikoff did not explain his motivation for stepping down.
Before becoming the veterinary medical director, Pernikoff spent many years in private practice in Chesterfield.
A spokesman for St. Louis County Executive Sam Page told the Post-Dispatch that Pernikoff left on Friday, May 9. No reason for Pernikoff's resignation was given.
Veterinary director at St. Louis County Animal Care & Control resigns
That parvovirus outbreak, described as the 'worst in county history,' forced the county to close the shelter for several days to prevent further spread of the virus. Nineteen dogs were euthanized at the facility earlier this month. Last week, said the outbreak was 'under control,' and that the incident would be studied to improve procedures and protocols at the shelter.
The first parvo case was identified at the adoption center on Saturday, April 19. The facility housed more than 200 dogs at the time. Because the dogs are often kept in close quarters, the virus had already spread to other animals by the time a positive case could be confirmed.
The American Veterinary Medical Association said canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and deadly dog virus and is spread via dog feces. Symptoms of the virus include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and sometimes bloody diarrhea, and a fever. Puppies should be vaccinated against parvo when they're 6, 8, and 12 weeks old, respectively.
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