Twitter Parvo-Alert System Launched By Virbac

A twitter-based early warning system to alert vets and dog owners of cases of canine parvovirus (CPV) in their area is to go live on 1 November 2012. Launched by Virbac Animal Health, @parvoalert is a twitter feed that updates followers on the geographic location of cases of the disease using the first half of the relevant postcode. The company is asking vets and owners learning of a case to tweet the first half of the postcode where it occurs to @parvoalert. Virbac will then retweet it. It’s also advising vets and owners to check the feed regularly for news of cases. The service is free. The launch of @parvoalert is the latest initiative from Virbac to help vets warn owners of the dangers of CPV. When Virbac hears of a case, it will automatically provide practices in ‘at-risk’ areas with a ‘Parvo-alert’ Pack, containing a range of tools and support materials to help them alert dog owners. These include waiting room posters, leaflets, stickers and template text for newsletters. The Veterinary Director of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Shaun Opperman, comments:  “As recent viewers of ITV1’s ‘Paul O Grady: For the Love of Dogs’ may have seen, parvovirus causes dreadful suffering to dogs.  Unfortunately many people still aren’t vaccinating their dogs, so we see cases on a regular basis and it’s vital that owners vaccinate their dogs, are aware of the disease and remain vigilant for the early signs.” Simon Boulton MRCVS, Product Manager at Virbac, explains: “One of the problems in tackling canine parvovirus is that little information is shared on the frequency and location of cases so, in some ways, it’s a hidden problem. While it’s not as common as some other infectious diseases, when outbreaks occur, as they did earlier this year in South Wales and Oxford, the disease proves fatal in around half of diagnosed dogs.” Once @parvoalert is established, the company aims to build it into a comprehensive web-based CPV resource, featuring background on the prevention and treatment of the disease; comment from veterinary experts and downloadable practice support materials. Alongside the Canigen vaccine range, Virbac also offers Virbagen Omega, the veterinary interferon based treatment for CPV and Speed Parvo FC, a rapid in-house diagnostics test for the disease. Simon Boulton continued: “It’s heart-breaking for owners to lose their pets in this way and to see them suffer from a disease that could easily have been prevented. We hope @parvoalert will help to raise awareness of the fact that CPV continues to represent a significant threat to unvaccinated dogs. It will benefit all practices in areas affected as they will receive a Parvo-alert Pack, which they can use to encourage their clients to get their dogs vaccinated and look out for signs of the disease.” Founded by a veterinary surgeon, Virbac is the largest independent veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world and is dedicated to supporting the veterinary profession through the development of innovative products and services, which support their businesses and help animals lead longer, healthier lives.

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