Dogs Face Deadly Virus Threat as Outbreak Spreads in Auckland

 Auckland is facing a serious outbreak of canine parvovirus, and the city is dealing with an increase in puppy numbers after the post-Covid surge, according to veterinarians. This surge in puppies is contributing to the rapid spread of the virus, which can survive in the environment for months or even years. The virus causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and can be fatal for dogs that have not been vaccinated.

The warmer temperatures are worsening the situation, with some veterinarians reporting more cases in a week than they typically see in an entire summer season. Rachel, the manager of Māngere Veterinary Clinic, mentioned that they have been receiving calls for help regarding suspected parvovirus cases for the past eight weeks, coinciding with the warmer weather. She noted that this year, the strain of parvovirus appears to be particularly aggressive, resulting in a survival rate of less than 50 percent for affected animals.

The clinic is inundated with 20 to 30 calls a day seeking assistance, but they can only attend to six to eight cases of parvovirus daily due to financial constraints preventing some owners from seeking treatment. Rachel attributes the increase in cases to dogs that were not desexed or vaccinated during the previous Covid lockdowns. The lack of resources and time for desexing and vaccinations has led to a growing population of unvaccinated puppies, further contributing to the spread of the virus.

Auckland Council figures reveal a 15 percent increase in the city's dog population since 2019, reaching 128,645 dogs. Additionally, there could be up to 70,000 unregistered dogs in the city. The New Zealand Veterinary Association links the rise in unwanted litters, driven by the Covid period, to the increasing number of unvaccinated dogs, many of which roam freely, facilitating the spread of parvovirus.

Lynfield vets are also experiencing a surge in cases, with six cases in a week compared to one or two in previous seasons. Vet Jolin Chia highlighted the financial challenges faced by owners in affording treatment, which can cost over $1000 a day for intensive care. Chia emphasized the importance of vaccination and noted that some owners skip vaccinations due to a lack of awareness or even anti-vax views.

The SPCA's general manager for animal services, Dr. Corey Regnerus-Kell, described the outbreak as one of the worst in Auckland's history, with limited resources available. He noted a concerning trend of dog owners unable to afford vaccinations or treatment, leading to untreated and suffering pets. The SPCA is urging owners to vaccinate their dogs, emphasizing the need for a series of vaccinations for puppies and regular booster shots for adult dogs.

In Hawke's Bay, the SPCA is also dealing with stray dogs infected with parvovirus, leading to the euthanasia of some puppies due to the severity of their symptoms. The SPCA is urging responsible ownership, including vaccination and avoiding public places until dogs are fully protected.