Parvovirus is a serious illness that is spread through the faeces of infected dogs, susceptible animals (immunosuppressed or non- vaccinated) become infected by ingesting the virus.

Parvovirus can affect dogs of all ages but is most common in young dogs, with young puppies the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat.

Parvovirus can stay stagnant in the ground for up to 7 months and veterinarians are urging pet owners to keep their puppies at home until they are fully vaccinated.

The symptoms of this disease are commonly a white frothy vomit, lethargy, fever and

progresses quickly to haemorrhagic (bloody) diarrhoea.

Dogs that are not treated will die from the disease within a matter of days.

Veterinarian Dr Peter Launders from Cowra Veterinary clinic is concerned with the alarming number of cases they have seen.

“We have treated 45 cases in the last three months which is a huge number for this time of year,” Mr Launders said.

“We are seeing cases not just from Cowra but from surrounding areas like Grenfell and Orange and I know that areas like Dubbo and Blayney are getting hard hit by this disease,” he said.

Veterinarians have been left scratching their heads in regards to why this outbreak has occurred.

“Why this outbreak has occurred is the million dollar question,” Dr Launders said.

“There are concerns that the parvovirus may have mutated and become more aggressive but we have seen a drop in number of vaccinations which would have contributed to this outbreak.

“When there are no signs of the parvovirus pet owners tend not to vaccinate.

“Pet owners have to remember vaccination is so important in keeping their pets healthy and to prevent outbreaks of this kind,” he said.

Dr Launders has advice for any pet owners concerned about the parvovirus outbreak.

“Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.

“While there is no known cure for parvovirus prevention is so easy by vaccinating your dogs.

“All puppies should be kept at home until they are fully vaccinated.

“Vaccinations should be done at 8, 12 and 16 weeks to prevent your puppy from becoming ill.

“The cost of the vaccinations is minor compared to the price of treatment which can end up in the thousands, not to mention the trauma that the animals and the humans have to go through while treating this awful virus,” Dr Launders said.