Parvovirus may have mutated from cats to dogs in the 1970s

The severe outbreak of canine parvovirus, a highly infectious disease which can prove fatal in as many as 90% of cases, in south Wales has been particularly virulent in the Ely area of Cardiff, St Mellons and Barry.

The veterinary charity PDSA has treated nearly 80 cases of the virus between June and September at their PetAid hospital in Bute Street, Cardiff.

They advise dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated and warn puppies are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Karen Jones, a nurse at the hospital, said: "We've been shocked by the huge increase this year because we usually get about ten cases in the same period in other years - it's been devastating."

"The symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea and although those dogs infected aren't writhing in agony, it's not a nice way to go.

"When you have to break the news to the owners it is very difficult - it's upsetting enough for us.

"Some of them cry when you tell them because losing your beloved dog can be very distressing.

Infection is preventable so the message we want to send out is vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Karen Jones, PDSA Cardiff

"Puppies are particularly vulnerable and the majority of dogs we've treated have been under two-years-old."

"But infection is preventable so the message we want to send out is vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate!"

She urged owners to take their pets to a private veterinary practice for vaccination and said annual boosters are essential..

No drugs are available to treat the virus and infected dogs may need intensive supportive treatments such as intravenous fluids.

The disease is passed from dog to dog through contact or excreta.

Ms Jones said the worst may now be over: "The numbers have now being dwindling."

Geraldine Stewart, also from the PDSA, said the hot summer may be responsible for the outbreak.

"The very hot weather has seen all our hospitals experience more cases of parvovirus but this has been a very severe outbreak in Cardiff."