HARBOR SPRINGS — The City of Harbor Springs warned dog owners of a potential parvovirus exposure at Zoll Street Beach in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
Jessica Mendezona, director of development at the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, said parvovirus is primarily spread through feces and could take 3-7 days before animals show symptoms, which typically include things like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, weakness or a loss of appetite.
She said they have not seen an uptick in cases in the area, but if animals show any signs of the virus, their owners should bring them to a vet immediately.
The most important things pet owners can do, Mendezona added, is make sure animals are up to date on their vaccinations.
“The best way to prevent the virus is by vaccinating,” she said.
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Parvovirus, which primarily impacts dogs, is highly contagious. There is a treatment for infected dogs, but it’s very expensive and the prognosis is guarded, Mendezona said. She stressed the best option is to vaccinate the animals.
“Little Traverse Bay Veterinary Clinic is accepting new clients, so we’re happy to get them in and get them scheduled for vaccines if they need to do so,” she said.
Parvovirus cannot be transmitted to humans. The virus can also survive in the environment for “months, or even years if not disinfected,” Mendezona said, so people who have been exposed or have it in their house need to thoroughly clean the space with a cleaner that is proven to kill the virus.
— Contact reporter Karly Graham atkgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at@KarlyGrahamJRN.
