UPDATE: SPCA pleads with community to vaccinate their puppies
This comes after parvovirus left 71 puppies dead at the police K9 breeding unit in Roodeplaat.
The SPCA Tshwane are urging the community to have their puppies vaccinated following a parvovirus breakout in the north of Pretoria last month.
The virus left 71 puppies dead at the police K9 breeding unit in Roodeplaat.
The 166 puppies that were saved are being monitored closely to ensure that they remain in good health, the K9 unit said.
In response, the chairperson of the SPCA Tshwane management committee Jacqui Grové said they were doing their best in eradicating the virus, and that further outbreaks are prevented.
“SPCA Tshwane was involved at the facility from the first report of an outbreak, and we still continue to be involved to ensure that the dogs receive appropriate care and treatment,” she said.
“Our Inspectorate initially inspected the facility daily, for a number of days since the matter was first reported to us on 7 September 2019, and thereafter we continued to monitor the situation through further inspections on a regular basis.”
ALSO READ: Deadly virus leaves 71 puppies dead at Pretoria police training hub
Grové said more inspections were planned in the coming weeks.
“During our regular ongoing inspections, we have observed that the mortality rate has decreased, the quarantine and hygiene protocols are being observed. The affected dogs at the facility are showing improvement under treatment, and no new outbreak cases have been observed.
“We have further been informed that all animals at the facility have received the necessary vaccinations,” she added.
When explaining the parvovirus, Tshwane SPCA veterinarian, Dr Marianna Bergh, said the deadly virus affected puppies mostly, especially those that have not received their vaccinations.
“The virus is excreted in a dog’s faeces and then transmitted to another dog when it sniffs the faeces or the other dog. The virus can hang in the environment for seven months and infect any animals that come into contact with it,” she said.
ALSO READ: Warning to pet owners about deadly puppy virus
The outbreaks are common in spring and summer.
Berg said it was important for puppies to be vaccinated at six, 10 and 14 weeks old to prevent the virus.
“Keep your puppy isolated from other dogs until two weeks after it has had all its vaccinations.”
This means you should not take the puppy to a park, she added.
“There’s no treatment for parvovirus, only supportive treatment until the virus has run its course. This include keeping the animal hydrated and giving the correct electrolytes and preventing secondary infections and pain control,” Berg said.
She said that if you had a puppy with parvo at your home, it means the home is likely infected with the virus.
“You can disinfect all the concrete areas and throw away the puppy’s toys and blankets. Unfortunately, you can’t disinfect the soil and this is where the virus can remain and reinfect the next puppy you get.”
For this reason, the SPCA has advised not to get another puppy for at least a year.
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