The current knowledge of canine parvovirus (CPV) and the clinical symptoms associated with CPV infection within seven years after the first outbreaks of the disease are reviewed in the present paper. The most important symptoms result from the occurrence of acute enteritis and/or acute myocarditis. Besides characteristics of the virus, symptoms of disease and (histo)pathological findings, particular attention is focussed on recent developments in diagnosis and prevention. A protocol for the prevention of CPV infections in situations in kennels, consisting of combined vaccination and hygienic procedures is presented.