Eleven Dogs Euthanized At Local Shelter

Officials at the Escambia County, Florida animal shelter are issuing a warning for pet owners.

Eleven animals have been euthanized in the past week after officials say they became infected with canine parvovirus.

"This I think is probably nearly as bad as I've seen it," says Dr. Cliff Owen, the veterinarian at the shelter. "Every month 1,100 animals come in, and many of them are poorly kept animals," says Owen.

Shelter officials were first alerted about the outbreak last week when a dog was put down just days after it was adopted. Owen describes the symptoms as high fever, vomiting, nausea, cramps and bloody diarrhea.

Treatment for the virus can be costly and is not always effective. Officials encourage pet owners who notice the symptoms in their own animals to contact their vet immediately.

Owen insists pet owners should be sure their pets are current on their vaccinations.