Has parvo gone viral?

Dear Dogs Today,

I am hearing about outbreaks of parvovirus across the country. Should I be worried that parvo is on the increase, is there a new strain, or is it simply that in this age of technology and instant information we are more likely to hear about these things?

If parvo is on the increase, why is this? I vaccinate my five-year-old bitch, but could she still catch it?

I do hope for some accurate advice and look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Mrs Patterson, Exmouth, Devon

Parvo risk

I’ve seen quite a few warnings recently about the seemingly increasing risk or parvovirus in the UK, and sadly I’ve read stories about very young pups dying from it just days after their owners have brought them home.

My girl is four years. Is she at risk from parvo as she’s older than a pup. Should I be vaccinating her regularly? 

Thank you.

Jackie Davis, by email

Infection control

Dear Think Tank,

I've heard a rumour that there's been an outbreak of parvo locally. I have a very elderly small dog and I've not boosted her as she really is just pottering in the garden these days as she's happier where she knows now her sight and hearing are quite poor.

I'm aware you can walk diseases in on your feet, what can I use to cut down the risks of walking it in?

Many thanks,

Jo Rayner, by email 



Alison Logan, vet, advises...

As you intimate in your question, the best form of protection against parvovirus is vaccination. I can quite understand why you have not kept your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date, although I do hope you are still having her regularly examined by your veterinary surgeon so that any problems can be detected at as early a stage as possible.

It does, however, leave her vulnerable to contracting parvovirus even if she does not leave your garden. Parvovirus is highly resistant in the environment. Rumours can be unfounded but if you have any inkling of this rumour being credible then I think I would keep your dog confined to barracks, at home and in your garden. For yourself, I would limit the contact you have with dogs, and avoid going where dogs are walked because it can indeed be carried inadvertently by shoes and clothing. 

Parvovirus can be shed in the faeces of asymptomatic dog so you could be totally unaware of having been in contact with an infected dog. Removing shoes and outer clothing before walking into the house would be a sensible precaution. You could potentially set up a footbath at all the entrances to your home for you and your visitors to dip their shoes because, fortunately, there are disinfectants which will deactivate parvovirus.

I do hope this helps to reassure you. Please contact your veterinary practice for further advice should you have any more questions, and for an update on the situation in your area.