JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

September 2006  

CANINE PARVO VIRUS REPORTED ON THE INCREASE IN THE UK 

NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) has warned dog owners and veterinary surgeons to be aware of the rising levels of reported cases of the parvo virus in the UK.  This warning comes as the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter has been alerted to a case of suspected “parvo” in a CKCS puppy that had previously travelled from England to Guernsey.  The puppy became seriously ill three weeks after arrival in its new home in Guernsey and has since died.

This warning acts to remind dog owners to check the vaccination of their dogs with their local veterinary surgeon if they are concerned whether their dogs are protected from the virus and also acts to remind potential new dog owners who are interested in purchasing a new puppy or dog from the UK to ensure that the animal is purchased from a licensed or recognised breeder and if it is a puppy, to ask to see the puppy with its mother, if possible.  

Parvo virus first emerged in the 1970’s as an epidemic that killed many thousands of dogs in the United Kingdom before an effective vaccine became available.  However, for many years the control of Canine Parvo virus has been assisted by the 1970s production of an effective vaccine, which has since been widely used to help protect the UK’s dog population.  Educating dog owners about the risks of parvo virus has been instrumental in encouraging dog owners to vaccinate their animals, as ‘parvo’ is still relatively common in unvaccinated dogs, especially in some large UK cities.  Primary vaccination and regular boosters are vital to protect against the disease.  However, it seems that the number of vaccinated dogs has recently fallen which has now enabled the virus to thrive.

Parvo virus is an extremely hardy virus that can survive in the environment for long periods of time.  The main sources of infection are from the faeces of infected dogs, although the virus can also be spread on clothing and on a dog’s coat and footpads.  Young dogs, especially, are very susceptible to infection with parvo virus.  Common signs of parvo virus include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, discomfort and classically a profuse, smelly, bloody diarrhoea.  Death of the affected dog can also occur and in acute cases, sudden death may be seen, without any other symptoms.    There is no specific cure if a dog becomes ill with the virus, only symptomatic treatment can be given, and the condition can often prove fatal.

Jersey is very fortunate enough to be in the position that potentially fatal infectious canine diseases, such as Canine Parvo Virus, are generally absent from the Island.  Hence it is important to safe guard against the real risk of introducing infectious diseases into the Islands.  Generally, importing unvaccinated dogs and puppies to the Island from unknown sources increases the risk to the local Jersey dog population through possible exposure to severe infectious diseases which could have potentially disastrous consequences for the Island’s dog population.

Therefore, the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter always recommends that if considering buying a puppy or dog, try to ensure that the animal is purchased from a licensed or recognised breeder and ask to see the puppy with its mother.  The majority of breeders are caring dog owners, dedicated to, and enthusiastic about, their favourite dog breed and are keen to establish themselves as respectable dog breeders.  Also, make enquiries about the vaccination status of the new puppy or dog and if it is not vaccinated, contact your local veterinary surgery as soon as possible to arrange for a health check and for the necessary vaccinations to be given. Anyone wishing to purchase a dog should contact the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, local Kennel Club or their local veterinary surgery for further advice.

ENDS