The RSPCA has described as incredibly serious, a parvovirus outbreak across the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie.
In Weston, dogs from four homes in one street have died, while dogs have fallen ill at Lake Macquarie, Rutherford, Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock and Kurri.
“The situation is incredibly serious and a major concern with the weather set to stay warm,” said RSPCA Hunter Vet Manager Dr Simon Cooper.
Parvovirus affects young puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs. The highly contagious disease is contacted through direct and indirect contact with infected dog faeces.
“Even if dogs don’t come in direct contact with an infected dog, they can still contract the virus through contaminated objects such as shoes, clothes, even the ground,” Dr Cooper said
Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting and severe diarrhoea.
The RSPCA advises dog owners to get their pets vaccinated against the disease.
