Fatal dog disease back in Chch

Press, 29 October 1981, Page 15

Fatal dog disease back in Chch

Parvovirus, a highly contagious and sometimes fatal dog disease, is reappearing in Christchurch. Some veterinarians said this week that they had treated several cases during the last month. One reported that several young dogs had died from the disease recently. Veterinarians say that dog owners seem to have forgotten that their animals need a booster vaccination against the disease each year. Symptoms of parvovirus include vomiting, diarrhoea, and a high temperature. Puppies and young dogs are particularly vulnerable. Mr Hans Andersen, vicepresident of the Canterbury branch of the Veterinarians’ Association, said that parvovirus was a cyclical disease which seemed to strike during spring. “We have seen several cases over the last three or four weeks, but not as many as last year,” he said. He recommended that puppies be vaccinated at six weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks of age. Older dogs should also have a booster.