Animal Health Officials Alert Dog Owners to Watch for Parvovirus

08:12AM / Tuesday, December 26, 2023Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON —?The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' (MDAR) Division of Animal Health is advising dog owners of a canine parvovirus (commonly called "parvo") outbreak in Franklin County.

At least one dog, recently purchased from Jason Whitmore at 35 Daniel Shay's Highway in Orange, Massachusetts, has been affected. The property is currently under quarantine. Anyone who may have purchased a puppy or dog from this source on or after December 1, 2023, should contact their veterinarian immediately if their animal exhibits any symptoms.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily between dogs and can be fatal. Severe vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite are common symptoms of the virus and will usually develop after an incubation period of 3 to 7 days. Dogs that have been infected and recover can remain infectious for several months. Canine parvovirus does not affect humans or other domestic animals.

Vaccinations effectively prevent canine parvovirus, and MDAR is urging dog owners to check with their veterinarians to confirm their pets are protected. Puppies require a series of vaccinations, and adult dogs may need a yearly booster. State animal health officials advise not giving the animal any medications except as prescribed by a veterinarian. Any medicines provided at the time of purchase should not be administered to the animal and instead, should be securely stored.

Please contact MDAR's Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795 with any concerns.

Additional information regarding canine parvovirus is provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association?here.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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