There’s been a spike on the Central Coast in a disease which can cause serious illness, or death among dogs.
Santa Barbara County Animal Services officials say they’ve documented nine cases of Canine parvovirus in the northern part of the county in the last two weeks.
The virus attacks the lining of a dog’s digestive system, and prevents it from being able to properly digest food. If untreated, it can cause a loss of appetite, high fever, dehydration, and death.
It’s preventable with an annual vaccination. Parvovirus is spread by dog to dog contact, and contaminated feces. People are being urged to clean up after their dogs.
Humans can’t contract the virus.
