‘We are begging you’: Pet owners urged to take action amid major deadly outbreak in Adelaide’s north

‘We are begging you’: Pet owners urged to take action amid major deadly outbreak in Adelaide’s north

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South Australian pet owners say they’re scared to walk their dogs amid a major parvovirus outbreak in Adelaide’s north.

The highly contagious virus has killed multiple dogs in the area, and left others seriously ill, with vets urging animal owners to get their pets a booster.

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Major was a happy and healthy three-month-old puppy until he was struck down by parvovirus last month.

His owner Kerry Green said it was horrible watching him fight the virus.

“To see the sadness and how much pain he was going through, it was just … unthinkable.”

Green was unaware that her new family member had not been vaccinated, and could not afford the approximately $3000 it would have cost to save Major.

Major was a happy and healthy three-month-old puppy until he was struck down by parvovirus last month.Major was a happy and healthy three-month-old puppy until he was struck down by parvovirus last month.
Major was a happy and healthy three-month-old puppy until he was struck down by parvovirus last month. Credit: 7NEWS

Local veterinarians say they are run off their feet.

“It’s probably the worst (outbreak) we’ve seen in recent years,” Dr Kristy Pearn from Elizabeth Park Veterinary Clinic said.

“Probably in the last four or five years.

“I’ve been in the industry nearly 20 years and … in recent times this is our worst outbreak.”

Staff are currently wearing protective gear while they test pets who have exhibited symptoms, in scenes reminiscent of the pandemic.

Ellie the dog’s swab was negative, but her owner Eugenio Castiglia remains on edge.

“At the moment, I’m afraid to take her out,” Castiglia said.

“Especially dog parks or where other dogs have got water bowls and everything.”

Dr Kristy Pearn from Elizabeth Park Veterinary Clinic said it’s the worst parvovirus she’s seen in years.Dr Kristy Pearn from Elizabeth Park Veterinary Clinic said it’s the worst parvovirus she’s seen in years.
Dr Kristy Pearn from Elizabeth Park Veterinary Clinic said it’s the worst parvovirus she’s seen in years. Credit: 7NEWS

At the clinic where Ellie was tested alone, there have been five positive cases in the last fortnight, including three that were fatal.

There have been confirmed cases in Andrews Farm, Elizabeth Grove, Elizabeth Sound and Seaton.

An annual parvovirus booster costs around $100, but vets say many owners cannot afford to pay for it amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Parvovirus outbreaks are generally worse during the warmer months, and vets warn that unless vaccination rates improve in the city’s northern and western suburbs, the virus will continue to spread.

“The most heartbreaking thing for us is that this could all be prevented,” Pearn said.

“We are begging you to just spend that $100 a year.

“Get them vaccinated and then we won’t have to see you for the big expensive visit.”

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