Urgent warning to Aussies dog owners as deadly parvovirus outbreak spreads
Owners of Australian dogs have been warned to watch for signs of the highly contagious and often fatal canine parvovirus.
Cases of the virus, also known as parvo, have been detected in Adelaide’s north and west, including Andrews Farm, Elizabeth Grove, Elizabeth South and Seaton.
Parvo mainly affects dogs and puppies that have not been vaccinated.
Unfortunately, about half of the 20,000 cases reported annually are fatal. 7 News reported.
There is a vaccine to protect dogs against the virus, with owners being urged to ensure their four-legged friends are up to date with their vaccinations.
Owners are also asked to watch for symptoms including lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
The latest outbreak has prompted RSPCA South Australia to warn pet owners to be ‘vigilant and proactive’.
“RSPCA SA also reminds dog owners that parvovirus is developing rapidly,” the report said.
Owners have been warned to ensure their dog’s vaccination against canine parvovirus is up to date following a recent outbreak in Adelaide (photo of a puppy with parvo)
It is recommended that owners in South Australia limit their dog’s outings outside the home to prevent them from contracting the virus (stock image)
‘If you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog or puppy’s behavior, seek medical attention immediately.
‘Currently available vaccines increase the survival rates of dogs contracting any strain of Parvovirus, including new strains that are detected.’
RSPCA also recommended limiting a dog’s trips outside the home to avoid being in environments that may be contaminated with parvo.
The warning comes after the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council near the NSW/ACT border surrendered a dog at their animal shelter that was positive for the deadly virus.
The city had to euthanize 21 dogs after the virus spread through the facility.
“Canine parvovirus is a very serious disease that spreads rapidly among the dogs in the facility,” the municipality said at the time.
Dog owners have been told to watch for parvo symptoms, including lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea (photo of a dog with a vet).
‘The facility is not an animal hospital and with veterinary advice and attendance we have made the difficult but necessary decision to euthanize all 21 dogs.
“This will allow us to thoroughly clean the entire facility to prevent future contamination from this incident.
“We would like to remind the community that canine parvovirus is a very serious disease.”
The deadly virus was also discovered in Victoria’s Gippsland region earlier this year, killing more than 10 dogs in just a few weeks.