DOG owners have been warned over the spread of a deadly and highly contagious virus following an outbreak at a shelter.
A case of the lethal infection caused Dogs Trust Kenilworth in Warwickshire to temporarily close last month.
Dogs typically pick up the virus when they are out exploring[/caption]
Parvorius, also known as parvo, canine parvovirus, or CPV, is a virus that damages the lining of a dog’s intestines.
It also attacks the infection-fighting cells inside a dog’s bone marrow, weakening its immune system.
When it damages the lining of the guts, it results in severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
In some cases, it can also prove fatal to dogs.
Puppies under six months and unvaccinated dogs are particularly vulnerable since their immune systems aren’t as well developed.
Dave Leicester, an emergency vet and Head of Telehealth said: “The only effective way to reduce your dog’s risk of contracting parvovirus is to have them vaccinated against the disease.
“Canine parvovirus is extremely contagious and may persist in the environment for over a year.
“When there is an outbreak, contact with the virus can be very hard to avoid. The virus causes very serious illness, which is often fatal.
“Vaccination comprises an initial course of two or three vaccinations.”
Dave continued: “Regular booster vaccinations are required throughout life, as immunity is not lifelong.
“Vaccines provide a very high level of immunity but they must be given before exposure to the virus to be effective.”
Dogs Trust Kenilworth, which has since reopened, said the rescue’s swift closure ensured no other dogs were put at risk.
The charity said in a statement: “We are pleased to report that none of our dogs are showing symptoms and are doing well.”
The centre is now “back to normal” following measures to contain the virus, such as limiting contact with members of staff, barrier nursing, and keeping the dogs entertained yet isolated while cleaning the centre.
The charity said it was continuing to practice enhanced cleaning around the centre and has asked visitors to ensure that their dogs are fully vaccinated before visiting.
However, the charity has now issued an urgent re-homing appeal after being unable to re-home any dogs during the rescue’s closure.
How is Parvovirus spread?
Dogs typically pick up the virus when they are out exploring, People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) explains.
The charity added: “It’s shed in the poo of infected dogs three to four days after they are infected, then for a couple of weeks after their symptoms clear up.
Symptoms of parovirus include:
- Bloody diarrhoea (often severe)
- Fever
- Lethargy (lack of energy)
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise (discomfort associated with illness)
- Rapid weight loss
- Vomiting
“Unfortunately, it can then survive in the environment for months to years – meaning it can be found almost anywhere that dogs go, such as gardens, parks and fields.
“It can also travel in dirt, so can be found on the bottom of shoes, inside houses, on dog leads, collars, bowls, clothes, toys, and even on human hands”.
The most common symptoms, which usually take between three and seven days to appear, include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and an extreme body temperature.
Vets Now has shared five tips pet owners should follow that may help reduce the risk of their dog contracting the virus:
- The virus is spread primarily through faeces, so extra care should be made to prevent access to any dog mess.
- Unvaccinated dogs should be safe in their own garden, if other dogs do not have access to it.
- In public spaces, unvaccinated dogs should be carried.
- There is a theoretical risk from infected foxes, so, if possible, owners should try to ensure foxes do not have access to their gardens.
- The virus can be transmitted on contaminated shoes and clothing and dog toys, food/water bowls, and accessories.
What to do if you think your dog has Parvovirus
PDSA urges pet owners to contact a vet immediately if their pooch is displaying any of the above Parvovirus symptoms.
It added: “Let them know you think it might be parvo, and wait outside the clinic until your dog is called in to prevent spreading it to other dogs in the waiting room.
“There is no need to contact your vet if your dog has simply come into contact with parvovirus, just monitor them closely for symptoms and call your vet for advice if you’re concerned”.
