SPCA Whanganui offers free vaccinations for deadly canine disease

Whanganui SPCA is offering free vaccinations for canine parvovirus in a one-day-only event. Photo / Mead Norton

Whanganui’s SPCA Centre is holding a free vaccination event to immunise dogs against canine parvovirus.

The event is on Sunday, January 12.

Canine parvovirus has had “a bit of an outbreak” in Whanganui, according to Whanganui Veterinary Services (WVS) veterinarian Hein Stoop, who had five cases in three weeks in November.

Parvovirus killed the gut lining, which prevented the absorption of food and water and caused diarrhoea, Stoop said. It could have a mortality rate of 70-80% in untreated puppies.

SPCA Whanganui centre manager Francie Flis-Pryce said the SPCA repeatedly received reports of parvovirus from local vet clinics in the past few months and, because of the summer season, it was likely to continue.

“Reported cases tend to increase over summer with the warmer weather; more dogs are out in public areas including unvaccinated dogs and puppies,” she said.

Canine parvovirus was especially concerning because of its resilience.

“Parvovirus is resistant to many disinfectants and can persist in the environment for up to a year,” Flis-Pryce said.

The SPCA aimed to reduce the number of cases in the Whanganui community by providing free vaccinations at Sunday’s event.

“If we can prevent them from getting sick, that’s the aim of the game,” she said.

“We could see there is a need in the community, especially with the current cost of living, to prevent the suffering of unvaccinated dogs and their owners that love them. Fortunately, this deadly disease is easily prevented by keeping your dog up to date with vaccinations.”

The idea for the event came after the centre received a grant from the Freda Sutherland Memorial Trust.

Flis-Pryce contacted First Vets, who offered to volunteer their time so all the grant money could go to buying the vaccines, allowing more vulnerable dogs to be protected from the virus.

Last week ARAN Animal Rescue added funding for the event, doubling the number of vaccinations available to be provided.

“We are so thankful for everyone’s support in order to bring this offer to Whanganui,” Flis-Pryce said.

“Running an event like this is no easy feat and does not come without a large cost but if resources allow in future, I would love to be able to offer more events like this.”

An internal and external parasite treatment, covering fleas, ticks, mites and intestinal worms, will also be available, as will the community pet pantry with donated collars, dog beds, food and more.

The vaccinations are free but donations are welcome to assist with future events.

The event is from noon to 3pm on Sunday, January 12, at the SPCA Centre in London St. Vaccinations will be administered on a first-come basis as limited spots are available. Attendees are asked to be patient as wait times may apply.

Olivia Reid is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.