Letty Towles Dog Park has been temporarily closed due to concerns over the H3N2 canine influenza Virus, the city of Ocala said Friday.

The closure went into effect Monday and is expected to remain for the next four to six weeks.

“I’ve been advised that the H3N2 virus is very contagious and any type of exposure will likely cause infection,” said Julie Johnson, assistant director of Ocala’s recreation and parks department.

Dog flu causes a respiratory infection in canines. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite and lethargy.

Although dog flu is highly contagious, it is treatable. A vaccine is available and takes a few weeks to establish an immunity to the virus.

Humans can’t contract the virus but can transmit on their clothes or hands after contact with an infected dog.

For more information about the dog park closure, call Ocala’s recreation and parks department at (352) 368-5517.