Dog owners warned over contagious parvo virus outbreaks

The alarm has been sounded for dog owners amid confirmed outbreaks of a highly contagious and often fatal disease.

Cases of canine parvovirus (parvo) have been found in the northern and western Adelaide suburbs of Andrews Farm, Elizabeth Grove, Elizabeth South and Seaton.

The disease primarily affects unvaccinated puppies and dogs.

An estimated 20,000 parvo cases occur in Australia each year, with half resulting in death.

Dog owners have been urged to ensure their pets are up to date with their jabs and to monitor their animals for signs of the virus.

That includes lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

“RSPCA SA is also reminding dog owners that parvovirus progresses rapidly,” the animal advocacy group said.

“If you notice any of the above signs in your dog or puppy’s behaviour, seek immediate veterinary assistance.”

The warning comes after a NSW council made the “difficult decision” to euthanise 21 dogs when an outbreak of parvo swept through its animal management facility.

“Canine parvovirus is a very serious disease that spread rapidly between dogs at the facility,” the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council said in October.

“The facility is not an animal hospital and with veterinary advice and attendance, we made the difficult but necessary decision to have all 21 dogs euthanised.”

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council closed the facility while it underwent a “deep clean” to “prevent future contamination”.

In March the deadly parvovirus swept through Victoria’s Gippsland region, killing more than 10 pet dogs in just weeks