A potentially deadly canine virus recently reported spreading in northern Maine has now prompted alerts to dog owners in the western part of the state.
The town of Mexico is now reporting a case of parvovirus – the same disease reported last month in the Bangor area.
Parvo is a serious illness that is highly contagious and can be fatal to dogs if left untreated, or if treated too late.
The virus attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and even coyotes, wolves, and foxes.
In puppies, the virus can also damage the heart muscle, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Mexico officials are warning people to be careful where they bring their dogs.
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.
The town is urging people to make sure to vaccinate their dogs against the virus.
Houlton Police last month advised dog owners that several animals tested positive for the virus.
Similar reports have come from Bangor and Brewer.
“It’s a virus that we have a really great prevention capability for, so getting vaccinated is really important,” Susan Hayhurst, a veterinarian at the Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland, told WMTW last month. “Once it takes hold it can be fatal.”
