Huge Surge In Parvo Virus Following Floods

[Tilly]

Huge surge in cases of deadly parvo virus in dogs follow recent Queensland floods

Rob Kidd From: The Sunday Mail (Qld) March 20, 2011 12:00AM

DEADLY: Dog owners have been warned to watch out for the deadly parvo virus, which is flourishing in Queensland's wet conditions.

DOGS across Queensland are fighting for their lives after a huge surge in cases of a deadly disease following widespread flooding across the state.

The Australian Veterinarian Association has confirmed the increase in parvovirus cases, a highly contagious infection that attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system of dogs.

Dr Jodie Wilson, president of the Queensland division of the Australian Veterinarian Association, said Caboolture, Morayfield, Brisbane's southern suburbs and the north Gold Coast have reported particularly large increases. "Before the floods, vets were dealing with about five to six cases a week and now it's 20 to 30," she said.

Symptoms for parvovirus, which is particularly dangerous for puppies and older dogs, include loss of appetite and vomiting

"Dogs can't absorb fluid, can't eat and often die," Dr Wilson said.

"It's a very deadly disease."

Moist conditions after the floods and warm temperatures have created the perfect environment for the disease to flourish, Dr Wilson said. One in four dogs contracting parvovirus will die, and although many puppies are vaccinated and it is curable, treatment is expensive.

Dog owners should be careful not to inadvertently bring the virus, which is passed through dog faeces, hair or feet, into their home, Dr Wilson said.

She urged owners to get their dogs checked as soon as possible if they show symptoms.

"Get them vaccinated early and no hearts need to break," she said.

Jasmine Gee, of Woodend, Ipswich, feared her vaccinated rottweiler puppy Fonzie would die after he spent five days in hospital in February before slowly recovering.

"I was devastated and very worried," said Jasmine, who bred Fonzie. "I've had a puppy with parvo before but this was different. I thought he wasn't going to make it."