45 dog unit pups die

PARVOVIRUS: DEADLY CONTAGION WREAKS HAVOC AT SAPS K9 ACADEMY

Task team established to review programme’s welfare, operational procedures.

Amid the outbreak of a virus that has killed hundreds of thousands of people across the world, 37 puppies had to be put down and another eight died of the deadly parvovirus at the South African Police Service (Saps) K9 Academy in Roodeplaat, Pretoria.

Canine parvovirus mainly affects dogs and is not related to the novel coronavirus.

It is highly contagious and is spread by direct or indirect contact with dogs’ faeces.

In 2019, parvovirus affected 120 puppies and eventually caused the death of 75 at the unit.

According to police spokeswoman Colonel Brenda Muridili, the veterinary services department responded swiftly to the outbreak.

“Around 15 June, the Saps Roodeplaat Veterinary Hospital, situated at the K9 Academy, Roodeplaat, noticed that puppies brought in for consultation were lethargic and clearly not well.

“It became a concern when the treatment that was being administered to the puppies appeared to be ineffective.

“This prompted the management of the hospital to have samples tested at an independent laboratory. The samples subsequently tested positive for canine parvovirus,” Muridili said.

The Saps veterinary services alerted the management of the

K9 Academy Roodeplaat of the findings and immediately recommended that the quarantine measures, as previously implemented during the 2019 parvovirus outbreak, be enforced to contain the spread of the virus.

“Even though the veterinary services had ensured primary vaccination of puppies, aged six, eight and 12 weeks respectively, parvovirus has unfortunately hit the academy again in less than a year.

The head of veterinary services at Saps Roodeplaat Veterinary Hospital, Brigadier Letshuti Phele, who is a veterinarian, was optimistic the outbreak had been contained.

“Even though parvovirus has no specific treatment, our primary focus is to maintain sick puppies on supportive treatment, general nursing care and strict isolation to boost the immune system and minimise the rapid spread of the parvovirus.

“This while an internal investigation is being conducted to determine the source of the outbreak.”

Human resources development and the Visible Policing Unit, which are the divisions responsible for the academy and veterinary services respectively, are continuing to look for long-term, sustainable solutions to the occurrence of contagious diseases at the breeding units.

A loss of 45 puppies has been reported. Eight died suddenly and 37 died were euthanised.

“Senior management from the two divisions continues to render an oversight function and monitoring of compliance at the academy and are satisfied that the best possible measures ... have been put in place,” Muridili said.

The academy, which is also responsible for the training of dogs and dog handlers, prioritises the maintenance of strict biosecurity, standard hygiene protocols and limited access to the facility to ensure people who interact with dogs do not unwittingly become carriers of deadly viruses.

A task team, comprising veterinary services, the K9 Unit and academy personnel, has been established to review the breeding strategy and relevant directives on general welfare and operational procedures governing the breeding programme.

Breeding remains the best strategy for Saps to acquire dogs and enhance the K9 Unit as a strategic policing imperative, Muridili added. – News24 Wire

No specific treatment for parvovirus