The Marshall Police Department encourages dog owners to practice caution when taking dogs to the dog park.

Due to a recent outbreak of Canine Parvovirus in the Marshall area, use the park at your own risk. Vaccinated dogs should only be allowed in the park.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk. Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have “parvo.”

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. 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.

Some signs of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, fever or low body temperature (hypothermia) vomiting, and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.