Painful virus kills 17 dogs in Northland | Northland News | Local News in Northland

At least 17 Whangarei dogs have died horrible, painful deaths in the past week as an "unprecedented" outbreak of parvovirus hits the district.

The SPCA is pleading with dog owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated against the disease following the death of 17 dogs admitted to its centre. Whangarei SPCA inspector team leader Michelle Potter said 15 of the cases were from Otangarei, adding canine parvovirus could be prevented with a vaccine that costs less than $100.

"It's only happening on unvaccinated dogs. Parvovirus is very, very virulent and causes terrible pain and suffering and death," Ms Potter said.

"Please vaccinate your puppies and give your older dogs boosters if they haven't had them. If your pup has been vaccinated, keep them indoors and off the grass and don't take them into public areas [for as long as recommended by the vet]."

She said dog owners should keep stray dogs off their properties as they could spread the disease. Parvovirus could also remain in the soil on a property for up to a year.

"Any unvaccinated puppy will be at particular risk. It's mainly carried in dogs' vomit or faeces, but it can also be carried and spread on people's shoes," Ms Potter said.

"Most disinfectants won't kill parvovirus. Bleach and viricides like Virkon will kill it, but you're wasting your time with normal disinfectant."

She said the first symptoms were the dog going off its food then becoming lethargic and inactive.

"Then will come the vomiting and diarrhoea, with the diarrhoea possibly having blood in it, and there's a very strong, distinctive smell. It basically destroys all the lining of their stomach and it's a horrible, painful death for them and not nice at all."

Ms Potter said the sad thing was that parvovirus could be avoided but some were prepared to forego the jab and risk their pets catching the disease.

"It's parvo season at the moment and we normally get three or four cases a week at this time, so to have 17 in one week is unprecedented," she said.

"It's quite devastating to see all these dogs that are just so sick and dying."

What is canine parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious infection of dogs caused by a parvovirus.

Characterised by sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentery, depression, anorexia, pyrexia, severe dehydration, leucopenia and death.

Sudden death from myocarditis occurs in very young puppies.

Death can occur within 48 hours for other dogs.

Can be prevented through vaccination.