Parvo outbreak closes park Altus city dog park and kennel closed due to canine parvovirus outbreak

Dog owners must shelter their pets in place until a local dog park has been sprayed for the canine parvovirus, also known as parvo.

“Parvo is a terrible disease,” Altus resident Rhonda Goforth said. “My son lost his dog Nehemiah to it a few years ago. It was an awful loss.”

Since it first emerged among dogs in Europe around 1976, canine parvovirus has spread rapidly, causing an epidemic of canine illnesses including the inflammation of the myocardial sack around the heart and inflammation of the intestines, according to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Though the infection is not limited to young canines, the disease most often affects puppies between six and 20 weeks old, though older dogs are sometimes also affected.

According to the American Veterinarian Medical Foundation, canine parvovirus is highly contagious and can be spread from animal to animal through feces, infected bedding, clothing, water bowls, collars, leashes, and those who have handled infected dogs. The virus can withstand heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time.

Altus Animal Control officers have seen a number of dogs come into the shelter infected with parvovirus.

“The Altus Animal Shelter is being proactive in preventing the spread of parvovirus,” Assistant City Manager Matt Wojnowski said. “All dogs taken into the shelter are being fully vaccinated against the virus.”

In addition, the grounds at the Animal Shelter and Altus dog park are being sprayed. To help further prevent the spread, the Altus dog park will be closed until Thursday.

“All these actions will help stop the spread of parvo and save the lives of dogs in Altus and the surrounding area,” Animal Control officer Krissy Mayhew said.

According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs infected with canine parvovirus are often lethargic, depressed, have a loss of appetite, sudden fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by blood.

Altus officials encourage dog owners to have pets vaccinated against parvovirus and keep dogs at home until immunized.