Animal shelters across Brisbane and Ipswich have seen an influx of dogs affected with Parvovirus and hold concerns there could be a second strain of the deadly virus.

Parvo has claimed the lives of 22 pooches alone at the Animal Welfare League Ipswich Community Vet clinic.

Vets say there is no vaccine available to protect animals against the second deadly strain.

Parvo can be spread by animal fur, feet, clothing, tools and even flies, and can live for up to two years on grass and other surfaces.

media_camera Nikki Dempsey with Sarge of Redbank Plains Vet Surgery have seen a record number of pets die from parvo this season. Photo by Sarah Keayes

Redbank Plains Veterinary Surgery vet nurse Nikki Dempsey said she wouldn’t rule out another strain given the number of cases circulating the region.

But she said currently no studies were carried out in the area to support or disprove the theory.

Ms Dempsey said the most likely reason for dogs getting parvo was missed or inconsistent vaccinations.

She said this included those who had not strictly adhered to the vaccination schedule or vaccinated their animal at all.

Ms Dempsey admitted she had seen vaccinated dogs fall ill to the virus as well.

“It just goes around like a flu and unfortunately for dogs this particular strain, it’s either you pass away or you’re a very lucky dog,” Ms Dempsey said.

Animal Welfare League of Queensland communications manager Brooke Whitney described the continuing admissions of parvo cases at the Ipswich Community Vet Clinic was devastating.

Ms Whitney said almost half of admissions had resulted in a fatality which further proved how deadly the virus was.

There were 44 cases of parvo at the clinic in February, with 22 fatalities.

Ms Whitney urged pet owners to be responsible and vaccinate their dogs

“The vaccination costs less than $90 and can save your dogs life,” she said.

Meanwhile a RSPCA inspector is set to attend a possible hotspot in Goodna this week, following reports a number of dogs in the area have been infected with parvo.

It is understood one owner has allowed its dogs to roam the street, despite being from a property that has had two infected animals pass away within days of one another.

media_camera Michael Beatty from the RSPCA

RSPCA media spokesman Michael Beatty said a number of other dogs in the vicinity have died as a result of the virus.

Any dog displaying symptoms such as diarrhoea, lack of appetite or looking depressed should be taken to a vet immediately for the best chance of survival.

Should animal vaccinations be made compulsory for pet owners? Email Reshni Ratnam with your comments.