Parvo increase reported at San Francisco park

San Francisco

-- The San Francisco Society for the Protection of Animals (SPCA) is cautioning pet owners who use Golden Gate Park in the Haight District to be aware of an increase in canine parvovirus cases in dogs that have visited it.

The SPCA veterinary hospital reports a "dramatic" rise in parvo cases -- seven in the last month compared to an average of about one per month. All dogs the clinic treated for parvo recently were at Golden Gate Park, says the SPCA.

Parvo doesn't normally persist in the environment, but is spread through feces or vomit containing the virus. Clothing and the ground can remain contaminated for five months or longer in the right conditions, the SPCA says. Puppies should not be exposed to potential infection areas, and adults dogs going to the park should have up-to-date vaccinations.

The virus can be life-threatening, but survival rates are high with early treatment. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.