AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION WARNING! ------------------------------------------------------------------- **** Deadly parvovirus on the rise **** The Australian Veterinary Association is calling on owners to make sure their pets are up to date with their vaccinations with the number of parvovirus cases on the rise across the entire country. “Many pets’ lives are unnecessarily put at risk because they haven’t had the vaccinations they need to protect them from parvovirus,” said AVA spokesperson Dr David Neck. According to Disease Watchdog (diseasewatchdog.org), vets across Australia have recorded more than 300 cases over the last couple of months. Dr Neck said that young puppies and dogs that have never been vaccinated are susceptible to the effects of the virus with death in around 80 per cent of untreated cases. “There’s a simple solution to preventing dogs from contracting the disease. “All puppies from six weeks of age should be vaccinated against parvovirus and other canine diseases. Follow up vaccinations are required and your vet can advise on what’s best in your area. “Parvovirus is highly contagious and is spread by oral or nasal contact with contaminated faeces, a contaminated environment or contaminated objects. It’s extremely resistant to the environment and can survive on objects like clothing, shoes and the floor for five months or longer,” he said. Hot spot areas include Darwin, NT (21 cases); Chinchilla, QLD (13), Tamworth, NSW (50), St Marys, Sydney (19); Orange, NSW (27); Ganmain NSW (16); Albury, NSW (9); Mildura, VIC (21); Elizabeth, SA (35); Hobart, TAS (14). “If your dog is unvaccinated and shows signs of lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea, seek veterinary attention immediately. Early treatment is essential in improving the chance of survival.”
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:42:40 +0000
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