A CONCERNED Kidderminster vet fears there has been an outbreak of a killer dog virus in Wyre Forest following the death of two pets.

Gavin Collyer has issued an urgent warning to pet owners after seeing three confirmed and four suspected cases of the contagious canine parvovirus at his surgery in Companion Care, in Crossley Retail Park.

Of the three confirmed cases dealt with at the Kidderminster practice, two of the dogs have sadly died.

Mr Collyer said the sheer number of incidents in an unusually short space of time had prompted him to raise concerns about the problem.

And he warned that the virus has spread beyond the town with other veterinary surgeries in Bewdley, Stourport and Stourbridge reporting cases of the disease too.

Mr Collyer, who is a director at Companion Care, is now encouraging all dog owners to get advice from their vets and ensure their pets have the necessary vaccinations to help protect them.

He added that the most ‘at risk’ canines were young puppies aged between 16 weeks and under a year.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that is spread from dog to dog as a result of direct or indirect contact with faeces. Signs that an animal has it include lethargy, vomiting, fever and diarrhoea.

Mr Collyer said: “Since I started this practice in 2011, this is the most amount of cases I have seen. You might get the odd occurrence every two to three years but in just six weeks, we have had three confirmed and four suspected cases.

“I have also spoken to other vets in Kidderminster, Stourport, Bewdley and Stourbridge and they have reported confirmed and suspected cases of parvovirus too.

“This is a very serious outbreak. Sadly two of the three dogs that came to us have died. It is a highly contagious, viral disease that can survive for up to a year.

“Parvovirus has a very high mortality rate – 70 per cent of animals that get it, die. All of the confirmed cases we have had are with puppies under the age of one. Older dogs can get it but it’s less serious for them and it primarily affects younger animals.

“As a result, we are contacting all our clients who have dogs aged over 16 weeks and under the age of one.

“Vaccinations are the only proven way of getting rid of it. But it’s also a case of ensuring your animal has the right vaccinations.

“Some people might assume the first vaccination given to their puppies is sufficient but it isn’t. We strongly recommend they have their booster injections for added protections.

“We would certainly urge pet owners to contact their vets and seek advice about what’s best for their dog.”

Anyone with any concerns and questions can call Companion Care on 01562 733460.