Pet owners in the Byron Shire are being warned to vaccinate their dogs against the highly infectious Parvovirus after an infected animal was recently discovered in the Ocean Shores area.
Parvovirous is a viral disease affecting dogs. It can be transmitted via faeces or even contaminated footwear, clothing, bedding, food and water bowls and toys.
Shannon Burt, Director of Sustainable Environment and Economy, said a local vet notified Council of the infected dog which sadly had to be put down.
“There is a vaccine for Parvovirus which is very effective and I urge all dog owners to make sure their pet vaccinations are up-to-date,” Ms Burt said.
“Parvovirus is a terrible illness for a dog to get – it attacks their gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow and causes vomiting and severe diarrhoea which can quickly lead to dehydration.
“The treatment is often very expensive so I urge people to get their animals vaccinated to stop it spreading,” she said.
Pet owners are warned to keep an eye on their dogs, looking for symptoms of Parvovirus including:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
“Some dogs may not display all the symptoms so pet owners, especially those in the Ocean Shores area, who notice a change in their animal’s heath should go straight to their local vet,” Ms Burt said.
