THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, January 17, 1996            TAG: 9601170389
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 
DATELINE: NORFOLK                            LENGTH: Short :   29 lines

DOG OWNERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BE ON LOOK OUT FOR PARVOVIRUS

To help stem a rise in the number of parvovirus cases in Hampton Roads-area kennels and veterinary hospitals, the Norfolk SPCA is urging dog owners to watch their animals closely.

According to the society ``parvo represents a serious and continuing health threat to dogs, even in the winter.''

Parvovirus is most often characterized by loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, diarrhea which turns bloody, vomiting and, if untreated, death.

The virus, which is heavily concentrated in the dog's stool, can attack any breed, age or size dog, but it most often affects puppies and older dogs.

Humans, cats and other animals are not affected.

Young puppies have to be vaccinated several times before the vaccine can take place and are especially susceptible to the virus.

Puppies should be kept away from other dogs until the set of vaccinations has been completed.

If the dog exhibits the signs, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. by CNB