One dog died and others tested positive after a highly contagious virus swept Christchurch.
Last week, three dogs from the Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust on Dyers Rd, Christchurch tested positive for parvovirus, one of which dogs died.
Trust Operations Manager Kelly Burt said the virus was highly contagious, deadly and should be taken seriously.
“This is a serious health crisis for the canine world,” said Burt.
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“If our city doesn’t take this seriously and vaccinates and keeps their endangered dogs at home until they’re fully protected, we could end up with a widespread outbreak with many dogs unnecessarily losing their lives.”
Burt had worked at the adoption center for more than eight years and said it was the first time parvovirus had entered the center.
A dog named Celeste was brought to the clinic on Christmas Day, but it was too late for her, Burt said.
“Nothing more could be done for them. We agreed with the veterinarian’s recommendation for euthanasia to end her suffering. “
Delivered
Goose, a dog owned by the Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust, survived treatment for parvovirus.
She was a “sweet, loving puppy” who would have lived if her original owners had her vaccinated, she said.
Celeste’s death was the first and only death at the adoption center that year.
“It’s absolutely disappointing – our team is devastated,” said Burt.
Parvovirus security and protocol are not dissimilar to Covid-19 health measures. If a dog shows symptoms, it must be immediately taken to the vet, quarantined and isolated for a period of 14 days, then tested negative before being re-admitted to the community.
Burt said community cases had been discovered in Christchurch, with the main location being North New Brighton.
“I have confirmation of what we would call a joint case, [and] we’ve heard of other cases. “
Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. The best prevention is to vaccinate your dog and get a booster vaccination after 12 months.
“If your dog is out of food and not vaccinated, I seriously wouldn’t be fooling around. I am very concerned about our dogs here in Christchurch.
The Trust has suffered a financial blow in treating the Parvo dogs, but Burt said it was necessary because “these dogs deserved a chance to fight.”
When buying a new dog, it was important to take him to the vet immediately to receive the four popular vaccinations: (DHP) distemper, hepatitis, parvo and dog kennel cough.
When a dog becomes infected with the virus, it is either fatal or expensive for the owner, Burt said.
While vaccination for the first shot was around $ 100, booster shots were less expensive, she said.
Dog owners cannot contract the virus, but they were the most common carriers, especially on their shoes and clothing. Dog feces could also contain the virus.
Burt said to pick it up.
“The less feces there is on the floor, the less likely it is that other dogs will be affected by Parvos.”
“Please do your part to protect your dog and the other dogs in our community so that we don’t lose anymore. Check your dog’s vaccination records and if your dog is not up to date, take him to your veterinarian immediately to have it corrected. It can only save your life. “