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Canine virus in Hay River Kristen Campbell Northern News Services Published Monday, March 19, 2012
Parvo is a highly contagious disease that is spread by contact with feces containing the virus. The virus is able to survive on inanimate objects such as clothes, food dishes and toys if proper care is not taken. Lesli Ward from the Hay River SPCA said a total of five cases were confirmed as of March 9 with one fatality. She is asking the public to educate themselves about parvo. She said young puppies are at the highest risk of contracting the disease. A majority of adult dogs exposed to the virus show very few symptoms, if affected at all. Affected dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea and will appear very lethargic, said Ward. "It is not normal behaviour," she said. If caught early enough, dogs can recover from parvo by a veterinarian administering intravenous solutions for rehydration. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be required. However, there are ways that Hay River's four-legged friends can avoid infection. Ward said the disease is 100 per cent preventable through vaccination. "If the puppy is six weeks or older get them their shots," she said. "And two to four weeks later get the second one." She said the disease is highly contagious and its ability to thrive makes it dangerous. "It is in our in environment," she said, "and it seems to thrive in cold temperatures. The only thing that kills it is bleach." She added that humans cannot contract parvo, but that does not mean we are not carriers. "We can carry it," she said. "Birds and flies can carry it. It is everywhere. And we can't bleach everything." The SPCA is working to educate the public and ensure that young puppies have their shots to reduce the infection. "To me the prevention is so simple," she said. "It's just education." Anyone suspecting their canine companion may have parvo is asked to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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