45 puppies dead as deadly parvovirus hits police dog unit
Thirty-seven puppies had to be put down and another eight died of the deadly parvovirus at the SAPS K9 Academy in Roodeplaat.
During a similar outbreak in 2019, 75 puppies died at the unit.
Police say vets have responded swiftly to the latest outbreak and a task team has been established.
Amid the outbreak of a virus that has killed hundreds of thousands of people across the world, 37 puppies had to be put down and another eight died of the deadly parvovirus at the South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 Academy in Roodeplaat, Pretoria.
Canine parvovirus is a contagious virus that mainly affects dogs and it is not related to the novel coronavirus. It is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their faeces.
In 2019, the parvovirus affected 120 puppies and eventually caused the death of 75 at the unit.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili, the SAPS management is confident that the veterinary services department responded swiftly to the outbreak.
“Around 15 June, the SAPS Roodeplaat Veterinary Hospital, situated at the K9 Academy Roodeplaat, noticed that puppies that were brought in for consultation were lethargic and clearly not well. It became a concern when the treatment that was being administered to the puppies appeared to be ineffective. This prompted the management of the hospital to have samples tested at an independent laboratory, which samples subsequently tested positive for canine parvovirus,” Muridili said.
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