Animal Rescue League of Berks County postpones adoption event because of parvovirus

Sep. 1—The Animal Rescue League of Berks County has postponed its adoption event Saturday because officials have identified three positive parvovirus cases among new dogs brought into the shelter.

All dogs at the shelter in Cumru Township are being placed in quarantine and won't be available for adoption until the quarantine period expires, officials announced. The quarantine period could last for up to 14 days.

Officials said they have received calls from community members whose dogs are experiencing parvovirus and from veterinary clinics that also are reporting parvovirus cases among their patients.

Canine parvovirus, better known as parvo, is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than 4 months old tend to be the most at risk.

Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating, fever or low body temperature, vomiting and severe, often bloody, diarrhea.

To prevent the infection, pet owners should make sure that their dogs have up-to-date vaccinations, good hygiene and are not exposed to fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing.

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