Parvo Virus Detected in Tasmania
Biosecurity Tasmania has recently notified Forth Valley Vet Clinic of a significant increase in Canine Parvovirus (CPV) cases, suggesting that this recent spike has been fuelled by a drop in community immunity across Tasmania. Unfortunately, this devastating and highly contagious disease has also been detected in our local community and we have already clinically managed multiple cases.
It is important to know that Parvo doesn’t stay in one place. It is incredibly resilient, surviving in soil for months and can be easily carried into your home on your shoes, clothing, or car tires. Your dog does not need to physically meet another dog to become infected.
We would like to stress with you all that we have experienced staff to help manage any potential cases that might occur and our systems, processes and building infrastructure minimises the risk of this contagious disease infecting other pets at our clinic.
We have strict quarantine protocols including a separate isolation ward, separate movement paths in and out of the clinic and even inside our building . Our protective equipment, disposable clothing and strict cleaning protocols are all in place to deal with these situations.
Keeping your pet's vaccinations current is simply the most powerful way you can protect your companion and the rest of our pet community.
We would recommend ensuring your pet is up to date with their vaccinations and we have also implemented a recommendation that young dogs that are in-between their completed puppy vaccination course and their next adult vaccination have a booster vaccination.
If you are unsure, give our reception team a call to discuss whether this is required for your pet or not.
Knowing the Signs
Parvo primarily attacks the gastrointestinal tract and the bone marrow, weakening a dog's ability to fight back. Symptoms often progress with terrifying speed, sometimes within just 24-48 hours.
Please watch for:
Severe lethargy (your dog seems unusually tired or "flat").
Loss of appetite or refusal to eat.
Persistent vomiting.
Bloody, foul-smelling diarrhoea.
If Your Pet Shows The Above Signs
Please call us immediately.
Please do not bring them into the waiting room without notifying us first, so we can implement isolation protocols to protect other patients.
If an assessment is required, it is often simplest to remain in your vehicle in our carpark and phoning reception to let us know you’re here , we can then direct you from there.
How You Can Protect Your Best Friend
Vaccinate: This is the single most effective tool we have. If you are unsure of your dog’s status or have fallen behind on boosters, please reach out. We are here to help, not to judge.
Limit Exposure: If your puppy is under 20 weeks or not fully vaccinated, avoid high-traffic areas like dog parks or popular walking tracks.
Clean Smart: Most household cleaners do not kill Parvo. If you suspect your property is contaminated, use a diluted bleach solution (1:30) on hard surfaces. Or F10 diluted solution (1:125).
Protect Other Pets: While Parvo is traditionally associated with dogs, it can also cause serious illness (panleukopenia) in cats. Keeping your feline friends' vaccinations up to date provides them with essential cross-protection.
We know how much your pets mean to you, they are family! Let’s work together to keep our communities much loved dogs safe.
