Dog owners, beware: Outbreak of contagious canine parvovirus reported in Franklin County

New dog owners should be on the lookout for potential symptoms of canine parvovirus, a highly contagious disease that can be fatal, amid an outbreak in Franklin County, state animal health officials said Friday.

At least one dog recently bought in Orange has "been affected" by the disease, which is also called "parvo," state officials said.

The Department of Agricultural Resources' Division of Animal Health said the property at issue, located at 35 Daniel Shay's Highway in Orange, is under quarantine. People who bought a puppy or dog there on or after Dec. 1 should contact their veterinarian if their pet shows symptoms.

The department also urged dog owners to make sure their pets are vaccinated against canine parvovirus. Officials noted that the disease does not affect humans or other domestic animals.

"Severe vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite are common symptoms of the virus and will usually develop after an incubation period of three to seven days," state officials said.

They added that even dogs that recover from the virus may remain infectious for several months.