Like all parvoviruses, it is a small (18–26 nm), spherical virus, and has a single-stranded DNA genome.

The virus replicates in the cells of the crypt epithelium in the duodenum and jejunum and, to a lesser extent the ileum, colon and caecum.

From an antigen perspective, MEV-1 is indistinguishable from feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV), so it's usually identified by the host it's isolated from.

Mature mink often survive the disease after a period of sickness which may last several weeks.

In addition to the overt signs a reduction of the number of leukocytes in the blood may be found in affected animals.