Parvovirus warning for dog owners
Dog owners listen up. The Santa Barbara Police Department Animal Control has issued a warning of the possibility of exposure to Canine Parvovirus at Mesa Lane Beach located at Mesa Lane and Edgewater Way.
A 10-month old Shiba Inu dog was diagnosed with the virus on October 12, three days after its owner took the dog to Mesa Lane Beach.
The highly contagious virus is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Canine Parvovirus is not infectious to humans, but humans can transfer it from one location to another. Officials say the virus can remain in the environment for up to 7 months.
Symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhea, gastro-intestinal upset, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration. In some cases, the virus may lead to death, especially with younger dogs like puppies.
SBPD Animal Control advices dog owners to ensure their dogs are up-to-date with their vaccinations before taking them to the Mesa Lane Beach.
Warning signs have been posted in the area to alert residents of the possible exposure hazard.
Vaccines make the disease preventable, but puppies are especially susceptible to the virus because it takes 18-20 weeks before the puppy finishes its vaccination series and is protected from the virus.
Ventura County Animal Services is putting on a low-cost vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 1-3 pm in the parking lot of Oxnard City Hall.
