Outbreak of deadly virus kills dogs in KZN’s Scottburgh area

SCOTTVET, a veterinary service, has confirmed that they have encountered several cases of dogs dying from what is believed to be parvovirus along the mid-south coast in Durban.

The virus is highly contagious, and is often fatal.

Parvovirus divides healthy cells within a dog’s body, severely affecting the intestinal tract that results in vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the stool, South Coast Herald reported.

It attacks white blood cells in young animals that have been exposed and also attacks the heart muscle that could lead to heart damage, eventually killing the animal.

The infection usually proves fatal, so pet owners are strongly urged to have their animals vaccinated against the virus.

“Being a virus there is no antibiotic cure for it. Antibiotics will only kill bacterial infections,” said veterinarian Dr Peter Biden.

“Please make sure that your puppies are vaccinated from six weeks of age, with a booster every three weeks until age 12 – 16 weeks, and thereafter yearly, especially breeding bitches,” said Biden.

This virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted from dog to dog and by people’s hands and shoes.

– Caxton News Service

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