Published on Monday, 15 April 2024 at 7:41:34 AM
For Immediate Release
15 April 2024
Parvo Virus Has Owners on Alert
The Shire of East Pilbara is reminding owners to be vigilant with a current outbreak of Parvovirus affecting dogs within the Shire of East Pilbara.
Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk from becoming victims of parvo.
If your dog is experiencing any of the above symptoms please get in contact your local vet.
Shire President Anthony Middleton said, “The Shire strongly advises that dog owners within the region exercise extreme caution when taking their beloved dogs out for walk.
“The key to beating the outbreak is to vaccinate and also limit contact with other dogs during the outbreak.”
Vaccines against canine parvovirus are highly effective, young puppies and dogs that have never been vaccinated are at high risk to the virus. All puppies from eight weeks of age should be vaccinated against parvovirus and other canine diseases. Follow up vaccinations are required.
If your pet is unvaccinated, do not take it to places where interaction with other dogs is likely.
Parvovirus is specific to dogs and is not transmitted to humans.
The Shire Rangers are working with local animal rescue SAFE Newman and the Newman Vet Hospital to combat the outbreak and to find appropriate foster homes for animals to recover.
Dogs with parvovirus must be quarantined for several weeks following treatment to avoid contamination of common areas such as dogs park. Parvovirus is spread through faecal matter which can be transferred on the clothing and shoes of owners and the feet and hair of infected dogs. “Dog owners are urged to ensure animal droppings are picked up and disposed of diligently."
Puppies can be impacted very quickly because the symptoms caused by parvovirus make them very weak, and mean their immune systems have to work very hard to fight the disease. Youngsters between six weeks and six months old are also more susceptible to secondary infections, or they may die from dehydration.
Where possible, the Shire strongly recommends that owners keep their dogs at home during the period of the outbreak and away from dogs outside of the home and to make sure your dogs vaccinations are up to date. For further updates, visit eastpilbara.wa.gov.au.
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Shire of East Pilbara
Phone: (08) 9175 8000
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