Vets Fight Puppy Disease Outbreak Across Western Australia

Veterinarians across Western Australia say they have been treating up to five times the normal number cases of a deadly dog and puppy disease this year. “We are seeing very high numbers of canine parvovirus this year,” said Dr Garry Edgar from the Australian Veterinary Association. “There have been several hundred reported cases of parvovirus across Western Australia in the past couple of months, which is unusually high. “This is particularly worrying for new dog owners as parvovirus is most severe in puppies – with death in around 80 per cent of untreated cases,” Dr Edgar. “Common signs of the disease are severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. “The frustrating thing for vets is that this virus is highly preventable. “Every single puppy or kitten needs to be vaccinated against deadly diseases and needs to be isolated prior to receiving the vaccination. This is much less expensive than treating your pet after it gets sick and saves the heartache of losing a new family member too soon. “Talk to your vet as soon as you get a new pet about vaccinations and other ways to ensure your puppy or kitten lives a long and healthy life,” he said. Vets have now started to develop a clearer picture of the spread of diseases like canine parvovirus thanks to improved monitoring. Detailed information on this outbreak came from the Disease WatchDog, an online database of companion animal diseases, which was launched at the beginning of 2010. For further information and requests for interviews contact the AVA media office on (02) 9431 5062, 0439 628 898 or [email protected].

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