Parvo Virus closes dog parks in Aroostook County

HOULTON, Maine (WAGM) - Dog owners in Aroostook County are on high alert after reported cases of the Parvo Virus—a highly contagious and potentially deadly illness that primarily affects puppies. Several Aroostook County dog parks have temporarily shut down due to an outbreak of the Parvo Virus. An illness can pose a serious threat to puppies and unvaccinated dogs. These closures are a precautionary step to help prevent the virus from spreading further.

Dr. James Hotham of Hotham’s Veterinary Services said: “The Parvo Virus is highly contagious and sometimes can be fatal that affects typically the younger dogs that are not properly immunized. Dogs less than 6 months of age are usually the ones that are affected. It affects their small intestine, and their immune system, and their bone marrow, and even their hearts. Their symptoms can be variable. Early on, might just be lethargic and not really interested in eating, and then a lot of vomiting, and diarrhea, and they can become dehydrated very quicky, and if they don’t seek attention quite soon, they can go downhill quite quickly.”

Several dog parks across the county have shut down temporarily, including the one in Caribou. Gary Marquis, Superintendent of the Caribou Parks and Rec Department said: “Out of abundance of caution we decided to shut it down until further notice. We’ve done some investigating with local veterinarians and there’s nothing that’s come out of Caribou. Presque Isle, or Fort Kent. So, we are going to probably reopen in the next couple days but if people are still concerned about going to the dog park with their dog we just ask them, don’t go. It becomes the person’s responsibility to take care of their dog, make sure that they’re vaccinated, and also pick up after your dog.”

Experts say there are simple steps dog owners can take to help prevent the spread of Parvo. Hotham: “I would suggest that if you don’t have to take your dog into a store or the park or things like that right now probably just kind of stay at home use a little common sense. It’s transferred through secretions, smelling areas that have been contaminated, nose to nose contact, things like that. Your dog could shed the virus 4 or 5 days in its feces before you even really know it’s sick and they’ll spread the virus in their feces for even a couple weeks after they’ve recovered.”

Veterinarians say the best defense against Parvo is prevention—keeping your dog vaccinated, avoiding high-risk areas, and watching closely for early signs of illness. With a little caution and care, dog owners can help protect their pets and the community. The Houlton Humane Society will be hosting a drive through rabies and vaccine clinic on Saturday October 18th that will include the Parvo vaccine.