Danville officials on Wednesday ordered the immediate closure of the Canine Corral at Hap Magee Ranch Park, after learning a dog that visited the park earlier this week had contracted a highly contagious canine virus.
An Alamo veterinarian reported to the town that a patient was infected with contracted canine parovirus, according to a news release issued by Maintenance Services Manager Jed Johnson.
The town moved to close the park to reduce the risk of the virus spreading to other animals. Maintenance workers also are sterilizing the drinking areas and doing general cleanup, including removing fecal matter from the park.
The virus is spread in the stools of acutely infected dogs for up to several weeks following infection, according to WebMd. Dogs usually contract it by oral contact with infected feces.
Parvovirus affects dogs of all ages, mostly puppies 6 to 20 weeks of age. It causes depression, vomiting and diarrhea, and affected dogs usally need to be hospitalized to correct dehydration and to control vomiting and diarrhea.
A vaccine is available that is usually given to dogs starting at around eight weeks of age.
Johnson said the dog park will remain closed until Friday. It should re-open to the public by Saturday.
