Narromine veterinary nurse, Jessica Martin, has confirmed the region is experiencing a spike in the number of dogs infected by the highly-contagious parvovirus.
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Jess said a lack of education on vaccination can be blamed for the increase of pets – predominately puppies – being infected by the virus, some of which she treats at the Don Crosby Veterinary Surgery at Narromine.
During her 10 years in the industry Jess said she’s never seen the virus so active, and while it’s a year-round issue there’s no denying the increase of cases over the last three months.
In December alone the Dubbo and Narromine clinics together attended to between 15 and 20 infected dogs, an alarming figure with a survival rate of 64 per cent if treated and nine per cent if not.
“At times we were seeing about five in one week,” Jess said. “Some weeks I think I euthanised three in one day, as well as treating one in the same day, it’s pretty bad.”
Jess said a combination of confusion and lack of integrity is responsible for the spike, adding that last year’s rainfall may also have contributed.
She explained while no vaccine is 100 per cent effective, the ‘live vaccine’ has proven results whereas there’s currently minimal study to prove the effectiveness of the ‘killed vaccine’.
“People are getting ‘killed vaccines’ from pet shops and backyard breeders and there’s no evidence of this vaccine working,” she said.
The deadly virus can stay active in the ground for up to 10 years after contamination by infected dog faeces or saliva, and becomes 35,000 times more contagious after rain. It can also be transported by humans, vehicles or any items that come in contact with the virus.
“Your dog only has to walk past it, get it on their paws, lick their feet and it gets into their system,” she said.
Symptoms of parvovirus range from loss of appetite, lethargy, nausea and diarrhea.
On admission to a clinic pets are taken directly to the isolation ward and undergo intensive treatment.
“To us it’s heartbreaking, these dogs are in a lot of pain,” Jess said. “I think if people were to see what we see they’d have a bit of an idea what we deal with.”
If you think your pet is infected with parvovirus, phone your local veterinary clinic. Pet owners are urged not to bring their dog into the clinic, instead notify staff of your arrival as to avoid contamination of the premises.
