Parvovirus Infection Spread Among Chennai Dogs
Chennai pet owners have been warned about the high contagious Parvovirus that is rapidly spreading among dogs. Watch our latest video to learn more.
In Chennai, several dogs were taken to the hospital as they were suffering from fatigue, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. On testing these dogs it was found the dogs tested positive for the Parvovirus. This is a virus that only affects dogs and can spread among them very quickly. In the last 3-4 weeks many dogs have gotten infected. Some have even died because of the virus. In May-June there were around 130 cases of infection everyday but now in July there are more than 250 infections in a day. It is suspected that the rains have made the situation worse. The virus is transmitted when a healthy dog comes in contact with an infected dog. Dogs can also get infected through infected feces. The virus can also live in the soil for upto a year. Dogs usually get infected when they go out on walks.
There is a vaccine to protect dogs from the Parvovirus. It is given when the dog is 6 weeks old and booster vaccines are given 3 times in 3-week intervals. However, because of the lockdown many people have delayed vaccination for their pet dogs which is why the infections are rising. Doctors say that pet owners must be very careful when they take their dogs for walks. Even after vaccination there is a risk of infection. So they should be careful. Also Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary will conduct free vaccination for 500 dogs from 21 July for 5 days. Vaccines to prevent Parvovirus and other dog infections will be given free of cost.
