Science and Tech

 Nearly 2,000 pet and stray dogs in Amravati city were affected by canine parvovirus virus last month with veterinarians cautioning pet owners against a severe outbreak.

·        It may be a highly contagious viral disease which will even be life-threatening in puppies and dogs.

·        Parvovirus affects the intestinal tract of canines with puppies being a lot of susceptible.

·        Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, drastic weight loss, dehydration and lethargy are a number of the symptoms.

·        The virus has reported a ninety per cent mortality rate.

·        Experts have declared suspect that the recent rise in cases of parvovirus in pets is because of the Covid-19 pandemic that compelled several pet house owners to avoid timely vaccination of their dogs.

How does the virus spread in dogs?

·        The highly contagious virus spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object, as well as the hands and clothing of individuals who handle infected dogs.

·        The dogs will get exposed to the parvo each time it sniffs, licks, or consume infected faeces.

·        Indirect transmission occurs once an individual who has recently been exposed to an infected dog touches the puppy, or once a puppy encounters a contaminated object, like food or water bowl, collars and leashes.

How to keep canines safe from infection?

·        Parvovirus has no cure and inoculating a puppy or a dog gives them a fighting chance against the infection.

·        The first dose is given at 45 days old and the second 21 days after the first dose.

·        To properly protect canines, it is necessary to administer the vaccine to them while they are puppies and then continue to do the same every year.