Tomorrow's RSPCA WA Community Action Day (CAD) planned for Nollamara has been postponed due to Parvovirus being detected in the area.
Mirrabooka Vet Hospital has confirmed it is treating a young Balga dog with the disease, who is thought to have come into contact with a handful of other unvaccinated dogs. The vet hospital is also treating another suspected case, with testing underway.
Vetwest in Yokine has confirmed it saw a puppy with Parvovirus 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately the puppy died as a result of the disease.
RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations, Hannah Dreaver, said it was a shame the CAD has been postponed but safety has to come first and Parvo can 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,' Hannah 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.'
In the meantime, here are some tips for protecting your pets from parvovirus:
- 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
Symptoms of Parvovirus include:
- Not eating/ drinking
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea – especially if blood is present
- Lethargic
