Dog owners warned after deadly virus outbreak

Dan Santy

05 December. Updated: 07 December 08:23

DOG owners are being warned after a suspected outbreak of the deadly parvovirus in Rugby.
Several recent dog deaths have been confirmed, with more suspected, after the outbreak of the virus.
It is caught when ingested or inhaled and can kill if not diagnosed quickly, and it can live in the environment for months on clothes, shoes, pavements and animal paws.
Director of Rainsbrook Vets, Simon Daniel, said they had seen four dogs - two of which died - in recent weeks with parvovirus.
"This is the highest number of cases we've seen at once for a long time. I can't remember seeing this many at any time over the last five years or so," he said.
"It is a serious and potentially fatal stomach infection but can easily prevented with vaccinations.
"Parvovirus is always a risk, but whether people are trying to save money in the current economic climate and are getting less vaccinations I don't know.
"If that is the case it is a false economy as it will cost them far more paying for treatment if their dog catches parovirus."
Mr Daniel said confirmed cases had also been reported by Bilton Vets, with more around Rugby suspected.
He added: "I would urge all dog owners to have their pets vaccinated, or if not then to keep them indoors or in their own gardens where they will be safe."
Parvovirus first emerged in the UK in the late 1970s. If contracted by a dog it causes severe stomach problems which can be fatal or leave lasting damage even when successfully treated.
Symptoms of the infection include vomiting, lethargy and refusal of food or water.