PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS VACCINATED!
The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts
Executive Office Of Energy And Environmental Affairs |
||||
Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1700 fax: 617-626-1850 www.mass.gov/agr | ||||
DEVAL
L. PATRICK
Governor |
TIMOTHY
P. MURRAY
Lieutenant
Governor
|
RICHARD
K. SULLIVAN JR.
Secretary |
GREGORY
C. WATSON Commissioner
|
For
immediate release – June 14, 2013
BOSTON –
Friday, June 14, 2013 – Officials from the Massachusetts Department
of Agricultural Resources’ Division of Animal Health would like to
alert dog owners of two significant Canine Parvovirus outbreaks
affecting northern Berkshire County and Worcester County. Dozens of
dogs have been affected in these two areas, and several have died or
had to be euthanized due to severe illness caused by the virus. There
are effective vaccines available. Puppies generally require a series
of vaccinations while adult dogs may need a yearly booster. All of
the dogs that have been infected during these outbreaks had either
never been vaccinated, or had only received one vaccine. Animal
Health Officials are urging dog owners to check with their
veterinarian to confirm that their pets are protected.
Parvovirus primarily infects puppies, but any unvaccinated dog remains susceptible. Dogs usually exhibit symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting and diarrhea. Although dogs can recover from the disease if it is detected early and treated aggressively, it can be fatal. The virus is typically spread directly from dog to dog, but it can persist in the environment for several months. Dogs that have been infected and recover can remain infectious for several months. Canine Parvovirus does not affect humans and other domestic animals.
Parvovirus primarily infects puppies, but any unvaccinated dog remains susceptible. Dogs usually exhibit symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting and diarrhea. Although dogs can recover from the disease if it is detected early and treated aggressively, it can be fatal. The virus is typically spread directly from dog to dog, but it can persist in the environment for several months. Dogs that have been infected and recover can remain infectious for several months. Canine Parvovirus does not affect humans and other domestic animals.
DAR’s
mission is to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in
Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural
Conservation & Technical Assistance, Agricultural Markets, Animal
Health, and Crop and Pest Services – DAR strives to support,
regulate and enhance the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s
agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally
sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill
agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production. For more
information, visit DAR’s website at www.mass.gov/agr
, and/or follow us at www.twitter.com/MDARCommish
and www.twitter.com/MassGrown
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