By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that affects dogs, particularly puppies and unvaccinated pets. With positive cases reported in Western Sydney, protecting the local pet population has become a key priority. Last weekend, the team from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital partnered with the RSPCA to host a Healthy Pet Day in Cranebrook, part of an ongoing initiative to reduce the spread of Parvovirus and increase access to essential pet care.
The Healthy Pet Day provided free vital veterinary services, including vaccinations, to local pet owners—particularly those experiencing financial hardship. Focusing on pensioners and health care cardholders, the event ensured that families could protect their pets from preventable diseases like Parvovirus. This initiative reflects Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital’s mission to make a meaningful impact in the community.
A decade ago, diagnosing 10-15 cases of Parvovirus a week wasn’t unusual. However, through a sustained vaccination campaign, there has been a reduction in reported positive cases. Yet this progress is not a reason to relax. Vigilance is still required, and regular vaccinations remain critical to keeping pets protected. Unfortunately, many areas of Western Sydney still see alarmingly high numbers of positive cases, reminding us that our efforts must continue.
Parvovirus spreads easily, primarily through contact with infected dogs or contaminated environments such as parks or backyards. The virus is incredibly resilient, capable of surviving in the environment for months, making unvaccinated dogs and puppies especially vulnerable. Vaccinations are crucial to breaking this cycle and preventing widespread outbreaks. The Healthy Pet Day emphasised this, offering free vaccinations to protect pets and help reduce the incidence of Parvovirus across the Penrith region.
The partnership between Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital and the RSPCA is more than just about offering pet care services—it’s about empowering the entire community. By ensuring access to essential services and education, this initiative aims to create lasting, sustainable change. The message is clear: healthy pets contribute to healthy communities. When more pets are vaccinated, the risk of infection decreases for all, safeguarding not just individual animals but the broader pet-owning community as well.
Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital remains committed to combating Parvovirus and other preventable diseases through continued partnerships, outreach programs, and a focus on accessible pet care. If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time to act. Let’s work together to keep Penrith’s pets safe and healthy, one vaccination at a time.
For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.
