Officials are urging pet owners to be up-to-date with their pet's vaccines after a highly contagious viral disease killed 15 dogs in Massachusetts, according to CBS Boston.
There have been 15 confirmed cases of canine parvovirus in the past two weeks with all of the infected dogs dying, Lowell Animal Control Officer Darlene Wood told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
"We're asking dog owners to check and see if their dogs have updated vaccinations or have been vaccinated for the parvovirus," Wood said today. She also urges pet owners to vaccinate their dogs if they haven't already gotten it.
The Lowell cases of parvovirus aren't isolated. Dogs in other parts of Massachusetts like in the Berkshires, Worcester County and on the North Shore are also suffering from the viral disease, according to CBS Boston.
But how is it transmitted?
Wood said through the feces and vomit of an infected dog.
"[Infected dogs would] be lethargic, vomiting a lot, [and have] bloody diarrhea. It has a very distinct smell," Wood said.
And it gets worse.
"Because it's so highly contagious, the viral disease can actually live on inanimate objects for months," Wood said.
Canine parvovirus was first detected in the 1970's and attacks rapidly reproducing cells, like the ones lining the gastrointestinal tract, according to WebMD. Though Parvo affects dogs of all ages, most cases occur in puppies 6 to 20 weeks old. WebMD also says Doberman Pinchers and Rottweiler's have a higher infected rate and experience worse symptoms than other dog breeds.
Woods recommends getting your dog to a veterinarian and avoid bringing them to public places if you suspect your dog might be infected.
The city is working with local vets and state officials to come up with a way to contain the virus, according to NECN.
