Coimbatore: The Parvovirus spreading to domestic dogs in Chennai is reportedly not present in Coimbatore and infects only dogs and not humans according to Dr. Senthilnathan, a Coimbatore wildlife veterinarian.
Coimbatore: The Parvovirus spreading to domestic dogs in Chennai is reportedly not present in Coimbatore and infects only dogs and not humans according to Dr. Senthilnathan, a Coimbatore wildlife veterinarian.
The continuous increase in cases of Parvovirus in domestic dogs in Chennai has caused fear among the people. The veterinary department reported that every day, 250 dogs infected with the Parvovirus are brought to the veterinary hospital for treatment.
Coimbatore Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Senthilnathan clarified to SimpliCity that as of now, there was no such virus present in dogs in Coimbatore. "The Department of Veterinary is monitoring the spread of the Parvovirus which attacks only domestic dogs. This virus does not infect street dogs. The virus only infects dogs between the ages of one and one and a half years of age. Dogs infected with the virus may show symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and bleeding. As soon as the Parvovirus attacks, the dog's intestinal tract is most affected. As the impact of the virus increases, the dogs lose their appetite. The virus then spreads throughout the gut, paralyzing the digestive tract. Eventually, it goes through the esophagus and causes heart failure.
The virus infects the hair, feet and bone marrow of dogs causing fatigue and dehydration in dogs, which can eventually lead to death. Generally, these dogs die within 3 to 12 days of being infected with the 'Parvo' virus. The virus only attacks dogs during the rainy season and vaccinated dogs cannot be attacked by this virus.
People need not fear about the Parvovirus. These can only be transmitted from one dog to another. It does not spread to humans for any reason. It only spreads to dogs that are raised at home. This is because home-bred dogs have very low immunity. In contrast, stray dogs are more immune since they roam in all the areas and can withstand extreme sun, rain and cold weather conditions. Even when street dogs are injured they heal on its own due to their immunity. Thus far, domestic dogs in Coimbatore have not shown any signs of Parvovirus. No pet dog has been brought in sick. Therefore, do not believe the rumors that the Parvovirus will spread to the people. There is no Parvo'virus in Coimbatore district. However, people must continue to follow all the health measures stipulated by the Government," reiterated Dr.Senthilnathan.