Ontario charity calls for change after outbreak kills at least 6 dogs

A local animal charity says more action is needed to prevent future outbreaks of parvovirus, after a recent outbreak at a London housing complex.

A local animal charity says more action is needed to prevent future outbreaks of parvovirus, after a recent outbreak at a London, Ont., housing complex.

Progressive Animal Welfare Services says it’s the quick response from local veterinarians and community housing that a dangerous outbreak of parvovirus, at a London Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH) complex at 345 to 349 Wharncliffe road, has now been contained.

During onsite vaccine clinics set up by volunteer veterinarians, 31 dogs were vaccinated with another five set to be vaccinated during a follow-up visit.

Since then, no new cases have been reported, but officials say eight dogs are confirmed to have contracted the virus, and while two were able to be successfully treated, six have passed away.

Emily Birkner, PAWS initiative manager, says that number is thought to be higher as they await the cause of death for several other dogs.

But she says the situation could have been worse if not for the swift reaction from local veterinarians.

“When a lot of people in a small area are unable to access vaccines, it’s like an incubator for disease and viruses and… there is a high risk of transmission, and it can spread like wildfire,” says Birkner.

“We’ve noticed a lot of barriers to care while we were trying to figure this out and we’re going to be addressing those next.”