Maine dog owners are being urged to take steps to protect their pets from a potentially deadly virus.
The Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic in Warren is seeing a significant increase in canine parvovirus cases throughout the midcoast and Augusta areas, according to WABI-TV.
Clinic staff also said they have been told about possible contamination at Quarry Hill Dog Park in Portland.
Parvi is one of the most serious viruses that dogs and puppies can get.
The virus typically causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs.
Parvo is spread by contact with contaminated feces. The virus can also live on surfaces that have been contaminated.
There is no specific cure for parvovirus in dogs and puppies, but there are treatments and vaccination is highly effective at preventing the virus when administered as directed by veterinarians.
Potentially Deadly Dog Virus Spiking In Central, Midcoast, Southern Maine
By Ted Cohen
