Parvovirus a concern but not alarming in Santa Barbara

The parvovirus that can make dogs sick has been detected in Santa Barbara after an ill dog was in the area of the Mesa Lane steps. Warning signs have been put up.

Health officials said the illness does have an impact on humans or other dogs that have vaccinations. The concerns can linger for seven months.

Dog owners seeing the notices are talking to each other about the warning, but so far there’s only been one case and while there is concern, there is no alarm. Dogs and their owners were at the beach Thursday.

Paul Crystal said he was talking about the issue to other dog owners while walking along the beach. “The lady said the same thing. She said ‘my dog has been fine’ if she comes down here. And I said ‘what about my dog?’ She said ‘she looks fine to me.’ So I guess there’s no big scare if your dog is vaccinated.”

Posted warning signs will be in place for some time because the virus can survive in the area for about seven months.

Symptoms of parvovirus include the loss of appetite, intestinal problems and a fever.