Gunnedah Shire Council temporarily closed the drop-boxes at its Animal Impound Facility because of an outbreak of canine parvovirus at the end of June.
A number of dogs have been surrendered anonymously through the facility’s surrender boxes recently and some of these young dogs have been positive to parvovirus.
To better manage symptomatic animals and reduce the risk of parvovirus affecting other seized dogs in the Animal Impound Facility, the surrender boxes on Quia Road were closed.
Canine parvovirus is a serious and often fatal gastrointestinal viral disease that impacts unvaccinated puppies and dogs.
Vet Chelsea Mitchell said Gunnedah Veterinary Hospital had treated about 14 cases in the past month and some of the dogs had to be euthanised.
Ms Mitchell said the virus was generally spread in contaminated faeces by unvaccinated dogs, many of whom have been roaming around town.
“Clinical signs are pretty consistent – lethargy, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea. Not all dogs will vomit and not all dogs will have diarrhoea. If it’s quite severe, they will have blood in the diarrhoea.”
Ms Mitchell said there was no cure, so hydration was vital to survival.
“Because they aren’t able to keep down water… they’re severely dehydrated and usually get secondary bacteria infections, and that’s usually what kills them,” she said.
“Vaccination is 99.9 percent effective in preventing parvovirus infections, so ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and if you have a puppy that hasn’t had the full course, make sure it isn’t being taken out and exposed”.
Council’s Regulatory Services coordinator Wade Berryman said vaccination was strongly encouraged as part of responsible pet ownership.
“Pet owners are reminded that the health and well-being of their animals is their responsibility under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act NSW,” Mr Berryman said.
“Owners who want to surrender healthy pets should first contact an approved rehoming organisation to find their dog or cat a ‘furever’ home.”
