19 Jan 2024

Auckland experiencing parvovirus outbreak in dogs

From Morning Report, 7:45 am on 19 January 2024

Auckland is facing a canine parvovirus outbreak which vets say is partly driven by a post-Covid surge in puppy numbers.

The virus, which can survive in the environment for years, leads to vomiting and diarrhea, and is often fatal for unvaccinated dogs.

Warmer temperatures exacerbate the spread, and some vets say they are seeing more cases in a week than they usually do over the entire summer.

The SPCA says its Auckland centre is currently getting 40 cases a week.

Lucy Xia reports.