<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Dog owners in north-east Queensland are being urged to keep some pets inside as rates of a potentially deadly virus climb across the region.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Canine parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a severe and fast-progressing disease that can be fatal.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>9news understands that about 10 cases have been reported in the Willows/Kirwan area, about 20 minutes from Townsville.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-fire-old-jam-factory-south-yarra-goes-up-in-flames/a44eda2b-d598-4541-87db-19197f770b54" target="_blank"><strong><span>Suspicious fire engulfs iconic former entertainment complex in Melbourne</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Another case has been reported at Woolloongabba.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Though parvo is preventable with proper vaccination, puppies that are too young to be vaccinated and poorly vaccinated dogs can still contract it.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal bloating and pain, and changes to body temperature.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/dog-parvovirus-warning-issued-north-east-queensland/3cdb13ef-4d4d-4d36-bdff-9ebaca651ab4" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Without immediate veterinary care, it can be deadly.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A spike in cases across north-east Queensland prompted Greencross Vets to issue a warning to dog owners in the region to make sure their pets are up to date with all vaccinations.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We are seeing more cases of parvovirus affecting animals in the area, so we want to encourage pet owners to stay on top of their dog's vaccination schedule," Greencross Vets Willows veterinary director Dr Wendy Smith said in a statement.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Parvo is highly transmissible and dog's don't even need to come into direct contact with an infected animal to contract it.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Though it is primarily transmitted through contaminated faeces, it can also be transferred through contact with a dog's paws or on items like leashes or bedding.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The virus can also survive in the environment for long periods of time, even after routine cleaning or rainfall.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This means that even at home in their own environment they can be susceptible to the virus," Smith warned.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>This makes the spread of parvo incredibly hard to control.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/avalon-house-fire-person-missing-after-sydney-blaze-overnight/b19f1087-45cc-4170-9a69-ecd605f2d054" target="_blank"><strong><span>Woman missing after house fire on Sydney's Northern Beaches</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Greencross Vets warned north-east Queensland residents to keep any dogs that are not fully vaccinated indoors and away from areas frequented by other animals.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>They should also immediately bag and dispose of faeces on walks and regularly clean their dog's bedding and food and water dishes.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This not only keeps them safe but also helps prevent the virus from spreading in our community," Smith said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If you're unsure of when you can take your puppy out in public, it's best to ask your vet who can advise the timing based on their current vaccine schedule."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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