A council spokesman said three cases of Canine Parvovirus have been confirmed over the past few days.

Clinton Street vet Lloyd Varga said he treated a dog on Tuesday morning for the virus which had to be put to sleep as a result.

“It’s a very, very infectious disease that can survive in the environment for a year or so. It almost always occurs when an animal is not vaccinated,” he said.

The council is also encouraging vaccination if animals aren’t already. 

Signs and symptoms of Canine Parvovirus include: Bloody diarrhea (often severe); fever; lethargy; loss of appetite; malaise (discomfort associated with illness); rapid weight loss and vomiting.  Without immediate treatment, the virus often progresses quickly and can cause death within two to three days of the onset of symptoms.

“It’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible,” a spokesman said.

Goulburn Veterinary Clinic vet Zac Lederhose said he’d heard several local reports of Parvovirus but hadn’t treated any.

However he said the number of cases could quickly go from zero to 100 quickly.

“Vets become emotional about it because it’s so easy to prevent. One needle is better than going through the heartache of losing a pup.”

Dr Lederhose said pups could be vaccinated from six weeks old. The mother’s vaccination also protected the pup from birth to an extent.

He said outbreaks often occurred in puppy farms or in pups that had been purchased via Facebook or Gumtree.

Vaccination costs $60 to $90. His practice is collaborating with the RSPCA on a vaccination drive in an effort to reduce the price.

Dr Lederhose said wild dogs and foxes could spread Parvovirus through faeces and the environment. 

In an unprotected dog the virus could get into the gut and replicate, destroying the lining and attacking bone marrow.

“It’s a big nightmare,” he said.

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