RUMFORD — Several dogs in the downtown area have contracted canine parvovirus, animal control officer Sue Milligan stated Friday in a news report.

The area includes Waldo, Cumberland and Falmouth streets and Maine and Rumford avenues.

“This is a highly contagious virus that attacks the intestines and bone marrow of dogs,” she said.

“It primarily affects puppies and senior or sick dogs, but the majority of cases I have dealt with have been apparently healthy adult dogs.”

Canine parvovirus is spread through the feces of an infected dog, she said. The outbreak began in September 2011 in the Rumford and Mexico area and shows no signs of stopping.

“A dog can be spreading the virus and not yet show signs of illness,” Milligan said. “Canine parvovirus can live on the ground for several months to years, so any animals or people walking through the area can spread the virus rapidly.”

She cautioned owners of dogs in this area or people who have had friends here with their dogs to closely monitor the dogs for signs of severe vomiting and diarrhea, which is usually, but not always, bloody.

If any dog shows signs, they need to be seen by a veterinarian immediately, Milligan said.

The only treatment once a dog is infected is fluids and medications given by a veterinarian.

“The treatment is very expensive,” she said, and if the disease is not caught in time, it will be fatal.

“If you walk your dog in the downtown area, you need to make sure it is up to date on all vaccinations and make sure you pick up feces after the dog has gone.”

In Rumford, it is a chargeable offense to not clean up after one’s dog.

“If your dog has not been previously vaccinated for distemper and parvovirus, you need to do so immediately,” Milligan said.

Any areas where a dog may have walked or had contact with an infected dog, clothing, food dishes, bedding, etc., must be cleaned with a solution of one cup of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water.

“There are no detergents available in stores that will kill the virus,” Milligan said.

For more information, contact your veterinarian or local animal control officer.

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