Deadly Parvovirus Warning to Pet Owners
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media release: 21 May, 2012
Deadly Parvovirus Warning to Pet Owners
An urgent plea for pet owners to vaccinate their dogs has been issued by a leading vet after the recent outbreak of dogs being infected by Parvovirus, a deadly disease, continues to reach epidemic proportions.
Head Veterinarian at VetShopAustralia.com.au, Dr Mark Perissinotto, warned that under no circumstances should pet owners be complacent when it comes to vaccinating their dog, with the huge spike in parvovirus cases being linked to the dropping number of pet owners immunising their dogs.
“Parvovirus is a highly contagious and deadly disease that can easily be passed on if dogs are not protected from vaccinations,” he said.
“Dogs contract the disease not only from coming into contact with an infected dog. Walking your dog in a park, where an infected dog has been is enough to also catch the disease.”
“The virus can survive in the ground for up to 7 months as large amounts of virus particles are shed in the faeces of an infected dog. People can even spread the disease on their hands, clothing or shoes and it can survive in very hot or cold temperatures,” he warned.
“Unvaccinated dogs-especially puppies, that go to parks, kennels and other places dogs congregate are most at risk,” he said.
Dr Mark also revealed the heartbreaking statistics, revealing that all breeds of dogs are susceptible to parvo and more than 9 dogs out of 10 will die from the disease if not treated. Dogs treated have between an 80 and 95% chance of surviving.
He also explained that there were ways to minimise the risk of coming into contact with parvovirus, however the only real cause of prevention was to have all dogs vaccinated against the deadly disease.
“The way to minimise spread is by strict hygiene and disinfecting everything that may have come in contact with the disease. Vaccination is the only real effective way to prevent your dog from catching the disease. Puppies should be vaccinated between 6 & 8 weeks, again at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. An annual vaccination maintains immunity."
“Compared to the cost of treatment if infected, vaccination is inexpensive and usually 100% effective in preventing the disease.” He said.
ENDS
Further information
Media Contact: Jemma Lenton 07 5453 4840
Jemma.lenton@vetshoponline.com
Address: 5/42 Owen Creek RD. Forest Glen QLD
Go to the Dr Mark bio page for more information about Dr Mark Perissinotto.