Parvoviridae is a family of small, single-stranded DNA viruses that primarily infect animals. These viruses are known for their simplicity, consisting of only a few genes. They can cause various diseases, particularly in pets like dogs and cats, with canine parvovirus being a notable example. Parvoviruses are highly resilient and can survive in the environment for long periods. They typically spread through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces. While many parvoviruses are specific to certain hosts, some can also infect humans, although they usually cause mild symptoms, such as those seen in fifth disease.