Geraldton a parvo hotspot

Dog owners are being urged to check their pets’ vaccinations are up to scratch after Geraldton was named a hotspot for parvovirus enteritis cases in Australia.

Geraldton was named among several WA locations with unusually high numbers of the disease, commonly known as parvo, released by the Australian Veterinary Association.

Local suburbs reporting cases of the virus have included Utakarra, Tarcoola Beach, Spalding, Beachlands, Glenfield, Bluff Point, Geraldton and Waggrakine, with three further cases unlogged.

Midwest Vet Centre practice manager Ebony Masotto said this summer alone the centre had already received six confirmed cases of the virus.

“We’ve already had six cases since November, when some Perth centres can go up to two years with not a single one,” she said.

“It’s shocking considering the size and population of Geraldton, that we are considered a hotspot for the disease across Australia.”

Once contracted, the virus attacks the lining of the dog’s digestive system, with death occurring in about 80 per cent of untreated cases.

Though there is no cure, disease prevention is highly effective by making sure dogs are vaccinated from a minimum of six weeks old and followed up annually.

Mrs Masotto said when deciding to adopt a pet, people needed to be better educated on what was required to ensure a healthy life for the pet.

“Some people think because their dog doesn’t leave the backyard, that it’s safe from the virus. But parvo can survive on things like clothing and shoes brought in to the yard for seven months or longer,” she said.

“Even when considering costs, a vaccination is less than $100, but treating a case of Parvo, I’ve seen it cost anywhere up to $3000.

“The resources it takes to care for an infected dog are also enormous.

“We have an isolation room in the clinic and a dedicated vet and nurse will care for only that one dog throughout the treatment.

“It’s truly a really nasty disease and it’s not a quick, painless death if people leave it untreated. It’s slow, painful and quite horrible for dogs.”

Mrs Mosatto also said the centre would be holding a free information night on the disease next month.

“We will be offering a free information session on March 3 from 6.30pm-7.30pm to help educate our local region about how to prevent against parvo and ensuring your pup is in a safe environment,” she said.

If your dog shows signs of lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea, seek veterinary attention immediately with early treatment essential in improving chance of survival.

For any questions or concerns, contact Midwest Vets on 9964 3671.