Parvovirus is a highly-contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness in animals, and Katherine Vet Care Centre veterinarian Dr Amy Ryan said it was critical that both puppies and older dogs had received their vaccinations.

“Basically, it causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration in puppies,” she explained.

“Puppies and adult dogs that aren’t vaccinated are most susceptible.

“It’s very, very fatal.”

Dr Ryan said that puppies could contract parvovirus, even if they had received both of their initial injections.

“Even after the second [vaccination], they are still not totally safe,” she said.

“People need to keep their puppies in their yard and don’t let them run around until two weeks after, to protect them from picking it up.”

In addition to the parvovirus outbreak, Dr Ryan said several cases of hookworm had been detected in town.

“It’s important to make sure the bitches are wormed correctly before they get pregnant, and that puppies also receive their worming treatments.”