Lowell Police Warn Dog Owners of Potential Canine Parvovirus Outbreak

Lowell Police are warning dog owners about a potential outbreak of Canine Parvovirus. Police say they have had 15 confirmed cases over the past two weeks in the city’s Acre and Lower Highlands areas.

Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that affects dogs’ intestinal tracts and is transmitted by a dog having contact with the feces or vomit of an infected dog.

Unvaccinated dogs or those who have not had a recent vaccine are particularly at risk since it is so contagious. Police say the disease can survive for several months in the environment and is also resistant to many disinfectants. Several dog breeds are at a higher risk including: American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite and bloody, foul-smelling diarrhea. If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms, take him to a Veterinarian immediately. If untreated, the disease can be fatal. If your dog has not been vaccinated against Parvovirus or you are not sure when the dog was last vaccinated against Parvovirus contact your Veterinarian immediately.

The city of Lowell is in the process of working with local Veterinarians and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health on ways to contain this viral disease and prevent it from affecting other dogs.

City officials are asking all dog owners to take extra precautions. If your dog is sick, seek veterinary attention. Do not exercise a sick dog in public areas. Please be sure to clean up after your pet.