Parvo could shut down the Bibb County animal shelter again.

Two cases of parvo -- an often fatal illness that closed the shelter briefly last month -- were reported Thursday, said county spokesman Kevin Barrere. Officials are awaiting an inspection from the state Department of Agriculture before deciding a course of action, but the areas housing the infected animals will be closed and cleaned in the meantime.

“They’ll automatically do that,” Barrere said. “For three days at least, (the areas) will be disinfected every day, and no more animals can go in.”

Officials did not say if the infected dogs would be treated or euthanized.

Last month, veterinarians found that two animals picked up from shelter had parvo, a highly contagious virus that can cause severe vomiting and dysentery, and respiratory and cardiac failure in puppies. One of those dogs was treated, while the other was euthanized.

Last month, no animals were accepted or adopted and no visitors allowed while the shelter was sterilized. The shelter reopened a day later.

In August 2010, the shelter was closed for three days following an outbreak of parvo and giardia. All puppies that did not have owners were euthanized.

To contact writer Rodney Manley, call 744-4623.