In light of some recent Parvovirus cases in the Hamilton area and the outbreak occurring in Cornwall, Ontario, we would like to remind owners about the importance of regular vaccination of their pets. The core vaccines include Rabies and FVRCP in cats and Rabies and DHPP in dogs.
- Rabies is a serious life threatening virus humans can contract from animals. Rabies is present in Ontario with bats, foxes and skunks serving as the main reservoirs of infection. Because rabies poses a serious threat to people and pets, vaccination against Rabies is required by law in Hamilton. The vaccine is given at 16 weeks of age.
- DHPP is a combination vaccine which protects your puppy against Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza virus. Parvovirus is a serious and potentially fatal disease that most commonly affects young unvaccinated dogs, although any age can be affected. The virus is highly contagious and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea as well as immunosuppression. Prognosis is guarded for dogs that contract the virus and recovery may require extensive hospitalization and supportive care. The vaccination is administered to puppies as a series starting as early as 6 weeks of age.
While the introduction of routine vaccination programs has resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of clinical disease, many of these viruses are still prevalent within the canine population. If we become lax with regard to veterinary preventive care, many of these diseases will again become common causes of morbidity and mortality in our pets.
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) released the following statement in response to an parvo outbreak that occurred in Ontario last year:
http://www.ovma.org/pdf/mr_parvo_feb13.pdf
For more information on the most recent outbreak in Cornwall, Ontario see the link below:
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/deadly-dog-virus-tears-through-eastern-ontario-neighbourhood-1.1949572
