Pet charity warns against killer dog disease

26/02/2008

The Blue Cross pet charity is warning dog owners that their pets are at risk of the killer canine disease 'parvovirus' if they are not vaccinated and annual boosters are not kept up to date. The warning comes after the charity's animal hospital in London Victoria has seen a surge in cases of the highly infectious deadly dog disease.

In the past three months The Blue Cross has admitted over 30 dogs with parvovirus, mostly young puppies. Despite round-the-clock care from Blue Cross vets and nurses, over a third sadly died from the disease which has no specific cure.

The Blue Cross is concerned that the recent increase in parvovirus cases could lead to an epidemic of the disease. The virus passes easily between unvaccinated dogs and can survive for months in the environment. Victims suffer from vomiting and diarrhoea which leads to severe dehydration, often fatal in vulnerable young or elderly dogs.

Caroline Powley, Blue Cross veterinary nurse manager at Victoria said: We are very worried about the recent number of dogs coming to The Blue Cross with parvovirus. It is heartbreaking to see so many young pets fall victim to this killer disease that can so easily be prevented by a simple injection.

The Blue Cross advises dog owners to make sure their pets' vaccinations are up to date and to book an appointment with their vets as soon as possible if there is a chance they have fallen behind.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Image of a young victim of parvovirus available, please contact the press office.
• The Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria is thought to be the oldest hospital of its kind in the world.  Established in 1906, it was the head quarters of The Blue Cross for many years. It was rebuilt in 1999 and officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen in November 2001.
• The hospital provides treatment and care for the pets of owners who cannot afford private vets' fees and undertakes thousands of consultations every year. In recent years the services have extended to reach people and pets that may struggle to get to the hospital, including mobile veterinary clinics; a community vet nurse to make home visits; and an animal ambulance service to help transport animals to and from the hospital.
• It is open for appointments from 9.30am to 12 midday and 2.30pm to 4pm from Monday to Friday (except Wednesdays). The Blue Cross animal hospital, Victoria. Sheppard House, 1-5 Hugh Street, London SW1V 1QQ.
• The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. 
• For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Louise Lee on 020 7932 4066 / 07880 781637 (out of hours)
louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk