Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council euthanises 21 dogs after a deadly canine parvovirus outbreak

A NSW council has euthanised 21 dogs at its animal management facility after one of the animals tested positive to canine parvovirus.

A NSW council made the “difficult decision” to euthanise 21 dogs at its animal management facility when a dog that was surrendered to the centre tested positive to canine parvovirus.

A Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council spokesperson said the very serious disease spread rapidly between dogs at the facility.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

Queanbeyan Animal Management Facility made a “difficult decision” to euthanise 21 dogs after an animal. Picture: Supplied

The centre is now closed while staff conduct a deep clean of the facility to prevent further contamination from the incident.

“We would like to remind the community that canine parvovirus is a very serious disease,” the spokesperson said.

“The disease came to the facility through a surrendered dog, which means parvovirus is in the community.

“We strongly encourage our community to ensure their dogs are vaccinated and to be alert and keep an eye on their dog’s health.”

RSPCA Australia said the best thing people could do was vaccinate their dogs to protect them from the deadly virus.

The spokesperson said canine parvovirus was a viral disease of dogs that attacked and damaged tissues with rapidly dividing cells, such as white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract cells.

“Canine parvovirus can cause severe disease and death,” the spokesperson said.

The council has urged dog owners in the region to be aware of parvovirus and watch for symptoms in their animals.

The council received mixed reactions from the community for euthanising the dogs, while many people sympathised with the staff at the animal management facility, others said it could have been handled better.

One person thanked the council for warning residents that the deadly virus was in the community.

“A truly heartbreaking situation,” the person commented.

“I can’t imagine anybody working at the animal control centre not being affected by this awful outcome.”

Another person said they understood the anger people had because it was devastating, but canine parvovirus was a horrendous disease and highly contagious.

“I can’t imagine how the staff at the facility feel,” the person commented.