Dog owners in the Ashburton District are being urged to make sure their pets are vaccinated, as the presence of Parvovirus also known as parvo, has been confirmed locally.

Council’s acting Chief Executive Neil McCann said testing confirmed that parvo was in our community.

“It’s highly contagious and vaccination is the key to preventing this disease and protecting dogs.”

The vaccine costs about $40 to administer and most puppies are vaccinated against parvovirus at six weeks of age.

A booster every three years is recommended.

Parvovirus affects a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and initial symptoms include lethargy, lack of appetite and fever.

This usually progresses to vomiting and bloody diarrhoea; it can be fatal.

Mr McCann said Council had stringent measures to deal with parvo at the pound and in vehicles that transport dogs.

“We take all the necessary precautions, including segregation, vet checks, testing, wearing of personal protective equipment, and chemical cleaning of equipment, people, and facilities.

“We ask the community to also be vigilant, as it can take three to seven days before dogs show any symptoms.

“If you think your pet may have been exposed to parvo, we recommend keeping them quarantined at home for 14 days then test negative before it re-enters the community.”

SPCA Canterbury are holding free drive-through parvo vaccination clinics in Christchurch, check their Facebook page to learn more.

The clinics are available to holders of Community Services Cards, Student Card/ID, and Gold Card.

Key messages:

• Vaccinate your dog immediately – this is the only effective prevention.
• Avoid walking puppies in public areas until they are fully vaccinated.
• Disinfect any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with infected dogs.
• Seek veterinary help immediately if your dog shows symptoms (vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever).