Utica, NY (WIBX) - One confirmed case of canine parvovirus at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society has prompted officials at the shelter to close for 10 days to allow for proper cleaning and decontamination.

Public relations director Jerry Kraus says the shelter is closed to the public and they will not be accepting animals from residents. However, he says, strays brought in by Animal Control will be accepted.

The virus does not affect humans or cats, he said.

WIBX also spoke to local veterinarian, Dr. Frank Mondi of the New Hartford Animal Hospital, who says the virus can be deadly in some cases, if untreated, especially in puppies.

Most pet owners can ease their fears, Mondi said, because the vaccination for the parvovirus is part of core vaccines for dogs, given at around eight weeks of age. The vaccine is given in a series of three shots, often at the same time as shots for rabies, distemper and hepatitis are administered, Mondi said.

"Adult dogs that have not been vaccinated, should be vaccinated, and receive at least a two-shot series, depending on the risk exposure. Your veterinarian can determine that," Mondi said.

"These animals [would] have to be hospitalized. You have to protect them against secondary infection. One of the things parvovirus does is suppress the immune system and decreases the ability of the animal to fight infection, which causes other problems," Mondi said.

Symptons include diarrhea, vomiting and wieght loss. The disease can be transmitted by a an infected dog, or through animal fecal matter, according to PetMD.com.

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