Council issues alert as parvovirus cases detected in Sebastopol

Dogs infected with parvovirus attended an off-leash park in Sebastopol, as the City of Ballarat confirms multiple cases of the contagious virus.

Sebastopol Dog Park on Grant St, Sebastopol.

Multiple cases of a highly contagious dog virus have been detected in a Ballarat suburb.

The City of Ballarat is aware of three confirmed cases of dogs with parvovirus in Sebastopol over the past week.

Canine parvovirus causes acute gastrointestinal illness in dogs, particularly in unvaccinated puppies.

It is spread by contact with infected dogs or contaminated faeces or environments.

Symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

“If Sebastopol pet owners observe their dog showing any of these symptoms, we encourage pet owners to consult their vets immediately,” City of Ballarat development and growth director Natalie Robertson said.

A sign has been installed at Sebastopol Dog Park reminding dog owners to ensure their pets’ vaccinations are up to date.

A sign installed by the City of Ballarat at Sebastopol Dog Park about a parvovirus outbreak.

Ballarat Veterinary Practice recently published a warning online about the outbreak.

“We’ve been notified of a recent spike in parvovirus cases in our area,” it said.

“We want to make sure our community stays informed and protected.

“Vaccination is the best defence.

“Please check that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date – especially if you’ve welcomed a new puppy recently.”

Greencross Vets said puppies should not be taken into public areas for a week after their last vaccination.

Parvovirus cannot be transmitted between dogs and humans.