Parvovirus has affected dogs mostly below six months of age in Imphal and other areas over the past month
Pet owners across Manipur are worried over the spread of the deadly Parvovirus across the state, as hundreds of dogs have reportedly been diagnosed with the virus. "We have been getting more than 80 to 100 cases of Canine Parvovirus infection per day," said Dr Th Priyokumar, Superintendent of State Veterinary Hospital at Imphal.
The outbreak has set off panicked dog owners with the state government issuing directions to the animal husbandry department to tackle this head-on and undertake a study to determine the cause of the virus attack. Meanwhile, doctors have issued an assurance that the virus can spread animal to animal, not to humans.
Priyokumar further issued clarification that the highly contagious disease will manifest in affected dogs in two forms: the intestinal one is characterised by vomiting, anorexia, weight loss and diarrhoea; the cardiac form is characterised by weakening of heart muscles of fetuses and young puppies.
He added that depending on the stage the disease has advanced to, the chances of survival among young pups are fifty-fifty. "Besides, proper care and management of the affected is required," he said.
Parvovirus — being an airborne disease — has affected several dogs, mostly below six months of age in Imphal and other areas over the past month. "If such symptoms are noticed, veterinary experts should be immediately consulted for treatment. If not treated at the earliest possible, the animal may die," said another veterinary doctor, adding that unawareness about the ailment will only result in the disease spreading to other dogs in the area.
To treat the infected dogs, doctors are currently advising five to seven days treatment, adding that the unvaccinated dogs are at a higher risk.
80-100 CASES DAILY
- Parvovirus has affected dogs mostly below six months of age in Imphal and other areas over the past month.
- Disease manifests in two forms: the intestinal one is characterised by vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhoea; the cardiac form is characterised by weakening of heart muscles of young puppies.
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