The dog park at James F. Holland Memorial Park in Palm Coast is expected to stay closed for about a month after a dog was diagnosed with with canine parvovirus.
The dog’s owner reported the case to the city Tuesday evening after a veterinarian diagnosed the dog, Brittany Kershaw, the city’s spokesperson, said. Both the small and large dog parks were closed Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the city’s announcement.
It is the only case connected to the park so far, Kershaw said.
The dog regularly visited the small dog park, according to the city. City park maintenance staff will treat both sides with disinfectant while the park is closed, the city said.
Owners whose dogs recently visited the park and have concerns should contact their veterinarian, Kershaw said.
Canine parvovirus, commonly called parvo, is a highly contagious virus that attacks white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected dogs, their feces and contaminated surfaces, including bowls, leashes and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. It can survive in the environment for long periods and resist heat, cold, humidity and drying.
Puppies between 6 and 20 weeks old and dogs that are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated face the greatest risk, the association says. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, and fever or low body temperature. The association advises owners to contact a veterinarian immediately if a dog shows any of those signs.
The parvovirus vaccine is part of a combination vaccine recommended for all dogs by the AVMA. Adult dogs that are unvaccinated or behind on their shots can still be vaccinated, according to the association.
The city is also reminding pet owners to follow the park rules posted on-site and keep their dogs’ vaccinations current before visiting any dog park.
While the Holland Park dog park is closed, residents and their dogs can visit Lehigh Trailhead located at 1350 Belle Terre Parkway. Updates on reopening will be posted at palmcoast.gov/holland-park, according to the city.
