A mystery virus is killing dozens of pooches in Michigan, US, sparking panic among dog owners.
The terrifying illness causes gastrointestinal problems and can kill young dogs within three to five days.
Dogs infected with the disease can suffer bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and fatigue.
At least 30 dogs have died from the virus in Michigan alone.
There is no current vaccine or cure for the deadly illness, which is believed to have come from Louisiana.
Clare County animal control director Rudi Hicks said: "The state is in a panic right now.
"There’s no cure. There’s no vaccine because they haven’t identified it yet.”
Ms Hicks said the disease is similar to Parvo, which is spread via dog-to-dog contact and has similar symptoms to the new disease.
Melissa FitzGerald, director of Otsego County Animal Shelter in Gaylord, Michigan, said: "It is a virus much like Parvo, possibly a different strain.
The State vets office is hoping to learn more and come up with a defence as we get more specimens."
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Puppies and older dogs appear to be more vulnerable to the virus, with most of those killed under the age of two.
Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets away from other pooches until they know more about the mystery virus.
Parvo is one of the most dangerous illnesses that dogs can face.
The virus is still common among dogs in the UK, with PDSA Pet Hospitals seeing nearly 1,500 cases of Parvo each year.
Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that mainly affects dogs but it can also be found in cats too.
The virus can be deadly and harms the gastrointestinal tract, making it difficult for a dog to absorb nutrients.
It spreads from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their faeces and although it is more common in puppies, dogs of any age can catch it.
Cases of Parvo can reach mortality rates of 91% if left untreated, but the illness can be prevented by regular vaccinations from six weeks old.
Some of the signs of parvovirus in dogs include loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhoea, fever or low body temperature.
Humans can't get parvovirus from their dogs.
While humans can get Parvo, it's not the same type of virus that dogs get.
The type of parvovirus that people can catch is called parvovirus B19 and is restricted to humans.
