Blue Cross Fears Parvovirus Epidemic

As we enter National Vaccination Month, which is being promoted by the veterinary pharmaceuticals company Intervet, (Schering-Plough), The Blue Cross has issued a warning to dog owners that its animal hospital in London Victoria has seen a recent surge in cases of the highly infectious and deadly disease canine parvovirus.

In the past three months, says The Blue Cross, it has admitted over 30 dogs with parvovirus, mostly young puppies, over a third of whom died from the disease.

The rate of emergency admission for the disease is around 10 per month, up from 3-4 cases that the hospital usually sees. The charity also reports that its Grimsby branch has seen a recent increase in canine parvo cases.

From 1st March The Blue Cross began running weekly evening vaccination clinics for eligible dog owners on certain Social Security benefits, (more information from www.bluecross.org.uk).

The charity is concerned that the recent increase in parvovirus cases could lead to an epidemic of the disease. The virus passes easily between unvaccinated dogs and can survive for months in the environment. Victims suffer from vomiting and diarrhoea which leads to severe dehydration, often fatal in vulnerable young or elderly dogs.

Caroline Powley, Blue Cross veterinary nurse manager at Victoria said:

"We are very worried about the recent number of dogs coming to The Blue Cross with parvovirus. It is heartbreaking to see so many young pets fall victim to this killer disease that can so easily be prevented by a simple injection."

The Blue Cross advises dog owners to make sure their pets' vaccinations are up to date and to book an appointment with their vets as soon as possible if there is a chance they have fallen behind.

The National Vaccination Month website carries mapping of low, medium and high risk areas for three animal diseases: Canine parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Cat flu.