PET OWNERS BEWARE: Parvovirus sweeps through Vryheid

VRYHEID SPCA has taken drastic, but entirely necessary, emergency precautions to curb the detrimental effects of the current Parvovirus outbreak that has swept through Vryheid.

“Due to the large number of animals, specifically stray, surrendered and boarding dogs, we have taken in over the last few weeks,” explains Vryheid SPCA Treasurer, Antoinette Ries, “we are currently battling a full-on Parvo outbreak at our Vryheid SPCA…”

“Parvo is a serious airborne virus that spreads rapidly,” she elaborates. “Treatment is very costly and there is a 90% fatality rate. Symptoms often take time to manifest and dogs may initially appear healthy, only to become sick later. The health and well-being of all animals in our care must take priority at all times and we are doing everything we can to contain the threat of a full-on outbreak in our kennels…”

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Following protocol a decision has been taken to quarantine the branch’s kennels for at least four weeks to stop further outbreaks.

“With a rigorous cycle of continuous monitoring and testing, deep-cleaning kennels and all buildings, we are optimistic to stop this virus,” she states. “Sadly, given the seriousness of this highly contagious virus, the potential for suffering and the high infection possibility, the humane option of euthanasia cannot be ruled out.”

The video below, which was published on petMD, explains what Parvovirus is:

Canine Parvovirus in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & More | petMD | petMD

She continues, “Quarantine procedures mean that our normal services will be limited, and in some instances suspended. During the quarantine period, no dog adoptions will be processed as we cannot, in good conscience, adopt out a potentially sick dog as this can result in suffering, sadness and spreading of the virus. Access to our branch facilities will be restricted and boarding services will be suspended,” she adds.

“Notwithstanding the quarantine, we will ensure that there will be someone available to accept stray and unwanted animals (under strict isolation protocol). Cat adoptions will be managed by appointment after a two week deep cleaning.”

“We urge all dog owners to vaccinate their dogs immediately,” she advises. “Please be assured of our best efforts at all times to ensure the health and well-being of all the animals in our care…”

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The Parvo outbreak, while at the forefront of the minds of the SPCA staff tasked with the care of stray and abandoned animals, is not restricted to the SPCA.

Father and son veterinary team, Gert and Loubser Theron, have confirmed that they have dealt with numerous cases of Parvo in recent times, to the extent that an outbreak can be confirmed.

“The best and most important thing that you can do at this point, to guard your dogs from this deadly virus is to have them vaccinated,” advises Dr Loubser Theron, in a ‘prevention is better than cure’ sentiment reiterated by his father, Dr Gert Theron, who says, “Vaccinate your pets. Vaccinations are crucial…”