The RSPCA is warning pet owners about a parvovirus outbreak in Launceston, after three dogs were diagnosed with the life threatening virus.
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One of the dogs has died and the other two are being treated at a local vet clinic.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious infection, resistant to the effects of heat, detergents and alcohol, meaning it can remain in the environment for up to a year after an infected dog has been there.
Launceston animal care centre manager Lorraine Hamilton said she was made aware of the outbreak on Friday.
“Unfortunately it’s perfect weather conditions for parvo – hot, humid and damp,” she said. “Dogs are very susceptible to the virus if they’ve never been vaccinated. When puppies or old dogs contract the virus, it’s very unlikely they will survive, and if your dog does get it, treatment is very expensive because vets can only treat the symptoms and they will be at the clinic in intensive care, probably for days.”
Ms Hamilton said people should not be complacent, and if they had a puppy or dog who hadn’t been vaccinated yet, to get it done straight away.
“The cost of the vaccine is minuscule compared to vet treatment if your dog contracts the virus. It only takes a sniff on a post where another dog with parvo has cocked its leg for your dog to contract it, and the consequences can be fatal.
“It’s a terrible disease to watch a dog go through because the vet can only treat the symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss from internal bleeding.”
Ms Hamilton said there were often a few years without many reported cases, making dog owners complacent.
“But then you get weather conditions like we’ve had, and it surfaces again.”