Also know as parvo, the virus is a potentially fatal disease that can cause serious short and long term health ramifications if left untreated in unvaccinated dogs.

In fact, the rates of vaccination against parvo in Griffith is so low that the spread of the virus is abnormally high.

Practice Manager at Griffith Veterinary Hospital, Sam Blomeley urged dog owners to take appropriate caution when walking and socialising their dogs.

"Parvo is spread by fecal matter so all it takes is for a dog to go to the toilet somewhere and then for another dog to come into contact with it, it's very easy to pick it up," Mrs Blomeley said.

"Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea and in more serious cases you will even see blood in vomit and feces."

Parvo can live in the ground for up to a decade, meaning that places commonly frequented by dog walkers in the area are 'hotspots' to spreading the virus.

"The virus can live in the ground for a very long time, potentially up to a decade or more," Mrs Blomeley said.

"The soil just isn't something we can disinfect."

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Friends of Griffith Pound President Virginia Tropeano said vaccination key to bringing down the number of cases in the local community.

"We need everyone to ensure their dogs receive all of their vaccinations, especially puppies who are particularly vulnerable," Mrs Tropeano said.

"Please be careful not to mix your dogs with others dogs or even let them on the ground outside of your backyard until they are fully vaccinated to prevent them from getting exposed."

Both Mrs Tropeano and Mrs Blomeley recommended an annual booster to ensure that your furry friend has year round protection from the disease.

"The longer you wait the worse parvo will be," Mrs Tropeano said.

"You don't know where other dogs have been or if they have been vaccinated so be smart and book them in for their shots.

Get them in and booked for their vaccinations ASAP."

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