Public Service Announcement

Notice for Dog Owners Visiting Shubie Park, Dartmouth

(Thursday, April 29, 2010) - In addition to the SPCA’s notice of a recent increase in the number of cases of canine parvovirus, HRM is alerting dog owners to a warning from a local veterinary hospital that affected animals have travelled in the Shubie Park area - from the Shubenacadie Canal to the Dartmouth Crossing.

Posters have been placed at the park to notify owners.

The virus is transmitted when a dog comes into contact with the feces of an infected animal.

Halifax Regional Municipality is, once again, reminding dog owners of the importance of picking up after their pets. This virus is another example of why this municipal policy is in place.

The intestinal tract is where most of the damage occurs when it enters the body. It attaches to the lining of the intestines and can kill a dog. While this is a serious and deadly disease in puppies, it can also be fatal in adult dogs.
Clinical signs include: vomiting, watery and foul-smelling bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. The incubation period is three to seven days.
If you have any questions, please contact your local veterinarian.

-30-

Contact:

Shaune MacKinlay
HRM Public Affairs
902-490-6531

Stephen Rice
Major Parks
490-1903

Andrea MacDonald
Manager, Animal Services
490-7371