NSW: Reports of deadly virus a warning to dog owners

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2004
NSW: Reports of deadly virus a warning to dog owners

The RSPCA has warned New South Wales dog owners to vaccinate their pets after several
reports of a deadly virus.

RSPCA Chief Veterinarian MARK LAWRIE says vet clinics across the state have reported
cases of the highly infectious, and painful, PARVOVIRUS.

He says dogs don't have to come in contact with an infected animal to become ill because
the virus can survive in faeces for months and can be transmitted via the hair or feet
of infected dogs or by people's shoes or clothes.

Infected dogs usually become ill within seven to 10 days, with severe vomiting, diarrhoea,
loss of appetite, depression and fever.

AAP RTV kp/cdh/jv/wz

KEYWORD: PARVO (SYDNEY)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.