Owner angry after virus claims 11 dogs in a day

A dog owner has hit out at local authorities after an outbreak of canine parvovirus killed 11 of her dogs in a day.

Amanda Kaden, from the Porirua suburb of Cannons Creek, said her family was devastated after their two dogs and nine 8-week-old puppies were euthanised last month.

It is believed Kaden’s 3-year-old mixedbreed bitch, Sheshe, became infected and passed the virus on to the puppies through her milk, while her other dog, 2-year-old mixed-breed Bully, also became ill though contact with the others.

Kaden had found homes for all nine puppies, and was waiting for them to be weaned.

She had spoken to other residents and seen posts on Facebook that said number of dogs in the Cannons Creek area had fallen ill and died from the virus.

She said she had seen no evidence of the council having made any effort to inform the public about the outbreak, or to educate owners about vaccination.

‘‘They haven’t done nothing. No warnings, no signs at the parks, nothing. Other people need to know what’s going on because it’s just horrible.’’

Dogs can be inoculated against parvovirus, though Kaden’s had not been.

Everyday activities such as going to the beach without her dogs, and not having them beg for scraps when she was cooking, was hard, she said.

‘‘They are a part you your family. They do everything with you.’’

A Porirua City Council spokeswoman said it was aware of an increase in parvovirus cases in Cannons Creek, but did not believe it was confined to that suburb,

WHAT IS PARVOVIRUS?

It is highly contagious and is transmitted mainly through direct or indirect contactwith the faeces of an affected dog.

Symptoms includes lethargy, severe vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea that results in life-threatening dehydration. This causes great pain and suffering, and can result in death, even if treated.

It is a serious health concern year-round but cases usually peak in spring and summer.

A vet should be contacted immediately if a dog starts showing symptoms of parvovirus, or if owners have any questions about vaccinations. with ‘‘other cases around Wellington’’.

The council shared a Facebook post ‘‘about a month ago’’, she said, encouraging residents to vaccinate against parvovirus, and it was continuing to work with and educated interested parties on dog issues.

The council was aware the SPCA had done a leaflet drop on Bedford St, advising of the outbreak.

Council planning and regulatory services general manager James Jefferson urged owners to check whether their dogs has been immunised, and contact their vets if they had concerns about sick or vomiting dogs. People should contact the SPCA or Animal Control if they came across a sick dog.

The SPCA confirmed it had delivered leaflets after inspectors collected an infected puppy in Cannons Creek earlier this month. It urged all dog owners in Porirua to ensure their pets were up-todate with vaccinations.