Warning as new parvovirus strain found in Australia

A new strain of one of the most deadly dog diseases has been discovered in Australia.

Dr Chris Brown took to Facebook and Twitter to alert his followers to the disease, with a health alert post.

Dr Brown said a new strain of parvovirus has been detected in Victoria and South Australia with evidence it may also have spread to Queensland and the Northern Territory.

“Merely the mention of parvovirus sends a shiver down the spine of vets and pet owners,” Dr Brown wrote.  “And with good reason. It’s highly contagious and often deadly thanks to it’s dangerous combination of severe vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite and bloody diarrhea.”

A new strain of one of the most deadly dog diseases has just been discovered in Australia. Here are the details https://t.co/X5NRCWgdWb pic.twitter.com/xTVpwxtWxE

— Dr Chris Brown (@drchrisbrown) May 5, 2017

Parvovirus, or parvo as it is commonly called, is spread by dog vomit and faeces and can survive outside an animal for as long as six months, making it extremely contagious. The disease is fatal to about 50 per cent of dogs that contract it.

Normally a vaccination would keep it under relative control but Dr Brown said there was no vaccine for the new strain yet. The severity of the new virus is, however, lessened but the conventional parvovirus vaccination so he encouraged pet owners to get their dogs vaccinated and keep alert to the symptoms.

“If your dog starts to show the signs listed above, please see your vet as soon as possible.”

Are your dogs vaccinated against parvo?