Owners have been advised to keep their dogs away from potential outbreaks after several cases of canine parvovirus were confirmed in Adelaide’s western and northern suburbs.
The virus typically attacks unvaccinated animals and can cause severe and fatal illness.
In Australia, about 20,000 cases of parvovirus are reported each year, with around half of them resulting in fatalities.
The animal welfare group the RSPCA warned dog owners to ensure that their pets are vaccinated and keep an eye on them for any signs of the illness, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
In October, a local council in NSW euthanized 21 dogs due to the presence of canine parvovirus in a facility. The region’s council noted that the condition rapidly spread between the animals.
The facility was not an animal hospital, and it had to make the difficult decision to euthanize the animals due to the seriousness of the situation.
Dr. Fauve Buckley told the ABC that the increasing cost of living might be contributing to the outbreak.
According to the head of the organization, many owners are struggling to provide for their pets due to the rising cost of living.
They prioritize other priorities over their pet.