Seven puppies have died after an outbreak of parvovirus in Colne, Lancashire. Vet Patrick Moore spoke to the Lancashire Telegraph and confirmed he has treated the animals at his veterinary surgery in Colne over the past few weeks. The news has prompted a dog welfare officer to warn pet owners of the dangers of parovirus and encourage dog owners to have their dogs vaccinated to avoid a larger outbreak. Parvovirus is known to affect certain groups of dogs more than others, such as puppies, which are more succeptible.

Speaking with the newspaper Mr Moore said the disease spread between dogs very easily. He went on to explain:

“It is contracted by coming into contact with the faeces of other infected dogs. The disease is not very common, though small outbreaks are relatively frequent, one having occurred in Burnley a couple of years ago. We think the first group of dogs, which the dog warden brought in, were Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross breeds. Since then, we have had a mixture. It is a resilient virus, which can survive in the environment for months."

Parvovirus Symptoms

Parvovirus attacks the heart muscle and intestinal tract. Symptoms include vomiting, a foul-smelling diarrhoea that may contain blood, lethargy and loss of appetite, but may not be apparent in older animals.

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Canine Parvovirus In More Detail