SAN LUIS OBISPO -- A virus that can be deadly for puppies is becoming more of a problem on the Central Coast.
It first hit Santa Barbara County and now it seems the Parvo virus has spread north to San Luis Obispo County.
Parvo can spread fast -- it's very contagious -- but the virus is also very preventable.
San Luis Obispo County is seeing a spike in cases of the Parvo virus.
It first began popping up in the Nipomo area, then Santa Margarita and San Miguel.
There have been at least a dozen reports.
Eric Anderson is the county's Animal Services Manager.
He says Parvo is particularly worrisome for dogs that are less than six months old, so if you get a brand new puppy, keep it at home and away from other animals, at least a first.
"In the first couple of weeks of life it affects the heart tissue and actually what we see is really just a sudden death with no real preceding signs," said Anderson.
Once the dog is a bit older, Anderson says shots are a must.
The Parvo vaccination is the only way to ensure your dog doesn't catch it.
"We're seeing a lot of animals coming in with little vaccination history and those are the ones that are most susceptible to the infection," said Anderson.
The virus really only poses a threat to dogs.
It does not affect other pets or people.
