Officials have issued warnings to dog owners in parts of Maine after multiple animals tested positive for a potentially deadly canine virus.
The Houlton Police Department says there have been several confirmed cases of canine parvovirus in the community.
Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Brewer says they are seeing a spike in parvovirus cases in the Bangor area. They say parvo can remain in the environment for weeks or months.
It can survive the harsh winters of Maine and likely is present in most dog parks across the US.
Parvo is a serious illness that is highly contagious and can be fatal to dogs if left untreated, or if treated too late.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the virus attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other canids like coyotes, wolves, and foxes. In puppies, the virus also can damage the heart muscle.
The virus can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and shock, which can lead to death within a few days if not treated.
Canine parvovirus is easily spread by direct contact with infected dogs, contact with feces from infected dogs, or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces like kennels, food and water bowls, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The vaccination is highly effective at preventing the virus when administered as directed by veterinarians. Puppies are most vulnerable to the virus, but older dogs that are unvaccinated and/or have compromised immune systems are at risk also.
Officials say if your dog is not up to date on vaccines or hasn’t completed a vaccine series, do not take them to places like dog parks or highly dog trafficked areas. Please call your vet to get a vaccine for your dog.
If your dog is experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme lethargy, please quarantine them from other dogs immediately and seek veterinary attention.
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