Parvovirus outbreak at North Bay Humane Society, circulating community

North Bay and District Humane Society is suspending some of its services for the time being due to a highly-contagious virus circulating the community.

"The North Bay Humane Society is experiencing an outbreak of canine parvovirus,” the organization said in a statement on social media Monday.

Staff said the outbreak originated among unvaccinated animals in the community.

"Owners need to always be on their guard," said Dr. Melanie Eckensviller, a veterinarian with Cassells Animal Hospital.

"Parvo may be in your backyard, may be in the park down the street."

Eckensviller told CTV News that she strongly encourages all owners to make sure their dog's vaccinations are up to date – as it's the best defence against the virus.

"Its one of the highly contagious illnesses the shelter will see," said shelter manager Janet Bredin.

"When you have a number of animals in one area, it will spread like wildfire... getting on top of it is very, very difficult."

Unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk of the virus, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) said.

"The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs," AVMA said.

"It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. The virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects."

The North Bay shelter has suspended dog walking, dog adoptions and intake of strays for at least two weeks out of what it is calling “an abundance of caution.”

"We don't have the best facility to isolate dogs so that's why we've shut down," said Bredin.

"There's a two week incubation period where an animal can have, shed, or show symptoms of the virus."

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Officials remind pet owners that the best way to prevent illness is to have your pets vaccinated on schedule.

"Call your veterinarian and at least talk about vaccinations if you have any hesitations or if you're worried about vaccines," said Eckensviller.

Staff added the outbreak situation will not affect their new animal adoption and welfare centre official opening Aug. 21.

Signs of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

"Most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately," AVMA said.

"No specific drug is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs, and treatment is intended to support the dog's body systems until the dog's immune system can fight off the viral infection. Treatment should be started immediately."

– With files from CTV News Northern Ontario video journalist Eric Taschner