Advertisement Dog owners warned about potentially deadly virus Breeder says many of her puppies died of disease Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Dog owners are being warned about a deadly virus that has killed more than a dozen dogs in Massachusetts and is now being seen in New Hampshire.Click to watch News 9's coverage.An alert went out in Lowell, Massachusetts, about parvovirus, a highly contagious and often deadly disease. Fifteen dogs in Lowell have died from the virus.In Allenstown, breeder Jen Cutter said she has had several Boston terrier puppies die from the virus. She said it's something no one wants to talk about."Everybody keeps it quiet," she said. "It's like I'm dirty."Cutter said she believes some people who came from Massachusetts to look at her dogs brought the virus with them."They went from a shelter in Massachusetts to here, and the next thing I know, seven days later -- because parvo's incubation is three to seven days -- my first puppy fell ill and died," she said.That was earlier this month and the beginning of Cutter's nightmare."It's a bad dream," she said. "Every day, I wake up and have to clean, bleach, fog my house. My fingers are raw and bleeding, half the time. Who's going to be sick? Who's going to be next?"Cutter said she worked as a vet technician, so she said she was familiar with the symptoms for parvovirus, which include lethargic behavior, vomiting and diarrhea. But she said this strain is especially virulent."The bigger puppies that died, they were vaccinated with two vaccines, so that tells me it's a stronger version of the regular parvo," she said.The virus is spread through feces and can be tracked into a home on a dog's hair or feet. Experts said that if parvo has appeared in a household, the dog's quarters should be thoroughly cleaned with a bleach solution. The virus is extremely hardy, so the bleach solution should be allowed to sit for 20 minutes.Dogs are routinely vaccinated against parvo, but the vaccine doesn't prevent all cases of the illness. During the first few weeks of life, puppies are protected by maternal antibodies, but that protection fades well before the puppy can be vaccinated.Experts said the most vulnerable period for puppies is from six to 20 weeks old. Dogs must also have booster shots every few years to maintain their immunity.Dogs who develop the disease need intensive veterinary treatment that usually includes hospitalization to deal with dehydration.At a local dog park in Hooksett, dogs were playing and enjoying the day. The owners said they weren't aware of parvovirus, or how deadly it can be. But the fact that it's been found in a neighboring town has them worried.Cutter said she is keeping her dogs in isolation until she is sure that they are not infected, something Lowell officials are urging dog owners to do. Officials said all dog owners should contact their veterinarians to make sure their dogs have been vaccinated.12966036