Home Brussels Potentially deadly ​​virus puts unvaccinated Belgian dogs in danger

Potentially deadly ​​virus puts unvaccinated Belgian dogs in danger

by editor
The parvovirus – also known as ‘dog typhoid fever’ – could be on the rise in Belgium, according to reports.
The virus, which is potentially lethal to dogs, was first detected at the German border, but cases have now also been reported in Mons, Liège and Charleroi.

It most commonly affects puppies, but adult dogs can contract the disease if they are unvaccinated. The virus impacts the intestinal lining in dogs and symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration.

If a dog has been properly vaccinated at 5, 8 and 12 weeks and there has also been a titre test, owners do not have to worry, said Hans Nauwynck (UGent), a virologist in veterinary medicine, reports Het Nieuwsblad. A titre test is used to see if the animal has the correct antibodies.

However, if vaccinations have not been properly administered, or disregarded completely, then the dog could be in danger, said Nauwynck. “It is extremely irresponsible not to vaccinate a puppy, it is really about animal welfare,” he added. 

In Charleroi, Liège and Mons, several cases of parvovirus have been reported in recent weeks. No cases have been reported in Flanders yet.

Related Posts