UPPER Hunter dog owners are being urged to be vigilant following four confirmed cases of canine parvovirus at Gloucester District Vets since Friday, 21 November.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal illness that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies and dogs.
The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for many months and sometimes years in the correct conditions.
“All cases were diagnosed using our in-house parvovirus SNAP tests and have occurred across three separate families in the Gloucester area, indicating active community spread,” Practice Manager Breanna Richards told NOTA.
Parvovirus spreads easily and silently, which is why outbreaks escalate quickly.
Dogs can become infected through:
– Direct contact with an infected dog or faeces
– Contaminated environments such as parks, footpaths, yards, vehicles and kennels
– Clothing, shoes, hands and equipment that have come into contact with infected faeces
– Dogs actively shedding the virus, even in the early stages before symptoms appear
Because the virus is so hardy and easily transported, even indoor-only dogs can be exposed indirectly.
Symptoms to watch out for include severe or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy or sudden weakness, loss of appetite, rapid dehydration, and fever or low body temperature.
Any dog showing these symptoms requires urgent veterinary attention.
Ms Richards strongly urges owners of unvaccinated or overdue dogs to keep them at home and avoid all public areas – including parks, walking tracks, shared yards, and pet-friendly venues – until they are fully vaccinated.
“The parvovirus vaccine is one of the most effective vaccines in veterinary medicine,” she said.
“It works by priming your dog’s immune system to recognise and destroy parvovirus quickly and effectively.
“The vaccine introduces a safe, modified form of the virus.
“The body produces targeted antibodies, and if the dog encounters the real virus later, the immune system responds instantly, preventing illness or significantly reducing severity.
“Dogs that are overdue or unvaccinated are at high risk during an outbreak.”
If you suspect your dog has parvovirus, contact your veterinarian.
To avoid contamination, do not attend a vet clinic without first consulting your veterinarian.
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