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Nollamara pet event postponed after case of canine parvovirus confirmed

Nadia BudihardjoStirling Times
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A free event to help struggling pet owners in the City of Stirling has been postponed after a case of parvovirus was confirmed, with another suspected in the area.

RSPCA WA was planning to offer free advice and resources at its community action day in Nollamara on Wednesday.

However, Mirrabooka Vet Hospital confirmed a young Balga dog contracted parvovirus and was being treated.

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The dog was suspected to have come into contact with other unvaccinated dogs.

“The vet hospital is also treating another suspected case, with testing underway,” a statement from RSPCA WA said.

“Vetwest in Yokine has confirmed it saw a puppy with parvovirus two weeks ago.

“Unfortunately the puppy died as a result of the disease.”

Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and targets rapidly dividing tissue, including bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract.

RSPCA WA has postponed its Community Action Day in Nollamara.
Camera IconRSPCA WA has postponed its Community Action Day in Nollamara. Credit: Supplied

Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, not eating or drinking and lethargic.

RSPCA WA animal and enforcement operations executive manager Hannah Dreaver said while it was a shame the event was postponed, safety had to come first as parvovirus could be deadly.

“It would be irresponsible of us to hold an event bringing large numbers of dogs together when we are aware there has been a spike of cases in this area,” she said.

“It would also pose a danger to the dogs at our Animal Care Shelter in Malaga — there is the chance staff exposed to parvovirus could bring it back on site.

“We will re-schedule the community action day when it’s safe to do so and will advertise it through all of our usual channels.”

TIPS FOR PET OWNERS:

  • Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date or if they aren’t vaccinated take them to your local vet to get this done
  • Avoid walking your dog or interacting with other dogs if your dog is unvaccinated
  • Avoid areas where there has been cases
  • If your dog is sick, do not invite people over

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