First parvo virus case detected in Shuklaphanta pet dogs

Parvo virus infection has been found in pet dogs in Shuklaphanta Municipality. The virus was confirmed for the first time in dogs brought for treatment at the municipality’s animal health center.

According to veterinarian Bhojraj Pandey, the infection was seen in a dog purchased from outside the area. He said they have started treatment with glucose and other care since the dog was very weak, along with giving vaccines against the parvo virus.

The virus mainly spreads among dogs aged six months to two years. Bringing puppies from outside areas carries a high risk of spreading this infection. Pandey added that dogs that come into contact with an infected dog are also at high risk, so they are testing other dogs that had contact with the infected one. The virus is usually seen more during the summer season.

The infection is less common in local breeds but is more frequent in exotic breeds (foreign breeds kept as pets). Symptoms of parvo infection include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, staying in cool or hidden places, foul-smelling stool, and loss of appetite.

“If these symptoms appear, dogs should be taken to a veterinary hospital immediately for treatment, as the death rate is very high among infected dogs. People are not well aware of this virus, so awareness is very important,” said Dr. Pandey.

Animal health chief Ram Prasad Bhatta of the municipality said the virus can be prevented through vaccination. Puppies should be vaccinated against parvo virus regularly from the age of six to eight weeks to prevent infection. He added that the recent change in weather has contributed to the outbreak.