URGENT NOTICE: The ARL has seen a recent spike in two highly contagious and deadly diseases throughout several municipalities in Berks County. Canine Parvo Virus and Rabies. Municipalities are urged to not only alert residents of the climbing number of cases and the associated risks to their residents but can also share resources for where to get pets vaccinated to protect the community at large.

Parvo is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, especially for puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It spreads through contact with infected dogs, their feces, or contaminated surfaces, and it can survive in the environment for months. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Severe, often bloody, diarrhea
• Abdominal pain/bloating
• Fever or low body temperature

Treatment for parvo often requires intensive veterinary care, but a $20 vaccine can prevent infection and save your pet’s life.

Rabies specifically is 100% fatal in humans if not treated swiftly. Berks County is among those counties with the highest confirmed cases in the state. Common symptoms of rabies in animals as listed by the CDC include general sickness, problems swallowing, excessive drool or saliva, an animal who bites at everything, an animal who appears tamer than you would expect, an animal who is having trouble moving or maybe paralyzed, or a bat that is on the ground.

According to the CDC, rabies is a neurological virus that infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death in 99.9% of human cases if left untreated. Although 90% of reported cases of rabies in animals occur in wildlife–mainly skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes–the virus can be transmitted to dogs, cats, and cattle who have not received a vaccination. (Source: CDC)

For any pet owners, ensuring pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, which is legally required, and keeping them away from unfamiliar animals, especially wildlife, is the most effective way to keep pets safe.

You can also learn more about local cases and how to protect your pets on our blog here: https://berksarl.org/rabies-cases-in-berks-county-how-to.../

Need to schedule your pet’s vaccines? Visit berksarl.org/veterinary-services to book a clinic appointment today.