ANIMAL Welfare League Queensland is issuing a critical alert to pet owners in South East Queensland regarding a significant outbreak of canine parvovirus affecting the region.
AWLQ’s Community Vet Clinics in Brisbane and Ipswich and are currently treating eight cases between them, with additional patients expected in the coming days.
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects dogs, particularly targeting the gastrointestinal tract.
The virus spreads through contact with contaminated faeces, making vaccination crucial for prevention, especially for puppies and unvaccinated dogs aged six weeks to six months, who are at the highest risk.
“Our teams are doing the absolute best we can to manage this outbreak, but the best prevention is ensuring that your pets are vaccinated,” said AWLQ vet director Dr Sarah Elliott.
“We urge all pet owners to prioritise vaccinations and avoid exposing unvaccinated puppies to public areas, such as parks.”
The cost of treatment for parvo can be extensive, and prevention is extremely important.
AWLQ’s Community Vet Clinics are committed to the charter of never turning away an animal in need; however, this commitment places substantial pressure on their already stretched resources.
Dr Elliot said AQLQ’s Community Vet Clinics were rapidly approaching capacity within their isolation wards.
“Our staff are doing their best to care for these critical patients, but the tragic reality is that this virus can be deadly,” she said.
“We implore pet owners to do their part to prevent the spread of this virus by vaccinating their dogs and minimise their exposure to public areas.”
AWLQ encourages pet owners to be vigilant about the signs of parvovirus, which can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:
- Severe, bloody diarrhoea: Characterised by foul-smelling, watery stools with blood due to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.
- Vomiting: Dogs may vomit undigested food and exhibit dry heaving when their stomach is empty.
- Lethargy and weakness: Dogs can become extremely ill and fatigued, with puppies particularly vulnerable.
- Loss of appetite: Nausea and abdominal pain can lead to refusal of food and water, exacerbating dehydration.
- Fever: High fever often occurs as the body fights the infection. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, isolate them immediately and call your vet.
