Dog owners across Salford are being warned to vaccinate their pets against canine parvovirus after an outbreak of the deadly disease at an animal sanctuary in Irlam.
Animals In Distress on Silver Street has been forced to close for the next three weeks to get the flare-up under control.
As well as not accepting any new stray dogs during this period, helpers at the centre are also being encouraged to stay away.
Speaking to SalfordOnline.com, sanctuary manager Melanie Dunn said: “It all started when a stray dog was bought in from Cadishead.
“This dog contracted parvo [canine parvovirus] within 7 days so it must’ve had it before it came in.”
Tragically, the stray dog has since had to be put to sleep.
Melanie added: “We’re on a 21-day lockdown. No dogs in no dogs out. We want helpers to stay at home too.
“It is deadly – I don’t want to see any more dogs suffering. I’m hoping we have kept it in isolation.
“Please vaccinate your dogs. This is the time of year when parvo is likely to be around. It is just horrific.”
Parvovirus is highly contagious in dogs, and can also affect cats, which is why owners in the area are encouraged to vaccinate their pet as soon as possible.
Former president of the British Vetinary Association Robin Hargreaves, who also runs a vetinary practice in Colne, Lancashire, said: “Parvovirus is a virus and because of this it can’t be treated with antibiotics.
“It causes very serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and severe dehydration and is most commonly found in younger dogs.
“The problem is that treating it is very complicated and it takes a lot of manpower to control it: for example caring for animals with the virus during the night.”
Mr Hargreaves added that it was common for stray and unvaccinated dogs to spread the disease.
“Typically it is caused by stray dogs who have not been vaccinated and then pass it on to other dogs. Dogs can contract it by sniffing around and going to the toilet in parks.”
RSPCA Manchester & Salford offer low-cost vaccinations at the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital on Eccles New Road, as well as private veterinary clinics.
Anyone with concerns about their animal showing symptoms of canine parvovirus can contact the RSPCA helpline on 0300 123 4999.
