Nyngan, Warren, Orange, Dubbo has recorded a spike in positive parvovirus cases in spring

An outbreak of the deadly parvovirus has been raising alarms for local dog owners in the western region. Here’s what vets have to say.

Pet owners are on high alert after a string of parvovirus cases have erupted across the state’s central west.

Parvo is a contagious virus affecting canines causing fatigue, loss of appetite, severe vomiting, and often death.

The virus is most prominent during seasonal change in Autumn and Spring and can lie dormant in soil for many years, infecting any canine that comes into contact with it.

Western Rivers Veterinary Group Warren and Nyngan’s director Andrew Robertson told The Dubbo News said about 10 dogs with parvovirus had been brought to the clinic in the past month, with many having to be put down.

Dr Robertson urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs against the disease as it is a highly preventable virus.

Kelpie puppies bred by breeder Steve Serone.

“It’s a terrible, terrible disease which makes dogs very unwell - their immune system is completely shot down and because often little puppies get it, they don’t have a lot of reserves to draw on, so it really affects them,” Dr Robertson said.

“Unfortunately, parvo is in our environment, it’s a lot easier and cheaper to prevent than cure.

“We’ve had guys who have moved into their house and their dogs got it from the backyard because they weren’t vaccinated.”

Dog owner Chloe Blatchford, of Dubbo, recently welcomed six puppies and is cautious of introducing them to her backyard.

“The pups are only a week and a half old so they’re not very mobile at the moment, but I will introduce them to the grass eventually while supervising to make sure they don’t go to the neighbours,” Ms Blatchford said.

Frankie and her six cocker spaniel puppies. Photo: Chloe Blatchford.

Frankie and her six cocker spaniel puppies. Photo: Chloe Blatchford.

“Before my dog gave birth, I didn’t walk her for four weeks and I won’t walk her until the pups are gone to make sure she doesn’t bring anything back.”

Canobolas Family Pet Hospital’s Lisa Brisbane said the clinic has had between 12 to 15 positive parvo cases in the past three months.

“It’s probably a little bit ore at the moment than what we’ve seen in previous years,” Ms Brisbane said.

“We’ve got a really cute, little Dalmatian puppy in hospital with parvo at the moment, so yeah, it’s around.

“We encourage everyone to vaccinate their dogs because its 100 per cent effective.

“It’s that age old saying - prevention is better than a cure - it’s both cheaper and easier for the dog owners.”