The Summit County Animal Shelter recently received two puppies that tested positive for canine parvovirus, a contagious and deadly disease.

Parvovirus mostly affects puppies and older dogs that have not been vaccinated, according to the animal shelter’s Facebook post about the cases. The virus can live in the soil for up to a year, so the owners of puppies and unvaccinated dogs should avoid taking them to places dogs frequent, like dog parks.

The post states the two puppies came from “a litter of unknown origin in the county.” It directs puppy owners to look out for lethargy, loss of appetite and diarrhea and take their pet into the veterinarian immediately if they show those signs.

Once a dog shows symptoms, the post states, the case should be considered an emergency. Those without the ability to pay for an animal’s care can relinquish their pet to the shelter, which will care for the dog and rehome it once healthy.

Pet owners with questions can email animal control at Animal_Control@SummitCountyCO.gov.