Wyndham council has warned pet owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated after a case of parvovirus was detected in the area.
Officers from the council’s animal management team recently found an adult dog showing symptoms of parvovirus in Werribee.
Canine parvovirus usually attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and can result in symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be spread when a dog comes into contact with contaminated faeces or soil.
Vets recommend puppies be vaccinated against the virus at six to eight weeks old, followed by a second vaccination at 12-14 weeks and an annual booster shot.
The council’s city operations director Stephen Thorpe said the dog, found in Werribee, was taken to the Wyndham City Pound and had since tested positive to parvovirus.
Mr Thorpe said there was no need for other dog owners to panic.
“Several dogs have been tested, but this is the only case of parvovirus that has been detected in Wyndham,” Mr Thorpe said. “The affected dog received immediate medical treatment and is now making a steady recovery.”
He said that the Wyndham City Pound had “very stringent hygiene practices”.
“Every time an animal leaves the facility each cage is sanitised,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Every responsible pet owner should vaccinate their pets as it helps to safeguard [their pets] against a range of diseases and viruses.”
Alesha Capone
