Pet Owner Alerts: New Parvovirus & Best Feline Friend Recall

Pet Care

Cronulla Vet Clinic would like to make their clients aware of two pet related issues that have arisen in May 2017.

Issue #1: a new canine Parvovirus has emerged in Australia.

While this virus is new to Australia, it has been found overseas since 2000 and is closely related to the parvovirus that has been seen in Australia for the last 40 years. This means that the current vaccinations available against Parvovirus in Australia cover the new strain. Therefore, if your dog is up to date on its annual vaccinations, there is nothing more you need to do.

However, if your dog is not up to date on their vaccinations, we highly encourage you to make an appointment to get your dog vaccinated. Both the new and old form of parvovirus that has been seen in Australia can cause serious, often fatal disease.

Signs include:

  • Vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhoea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lethargy

Issue #2: Recall of Best Feline Friend (BFF) cat food from all Petbarn and City Farmers Pet supply stores.

Through the PetFAST system, a joint initiative between the Australian Veterinary Association and the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia, reports have surfaced regarding cats becoming sick due to eating certain wet cat foods. It appears to affect cats after eating certain Best Feline Friend (BFF) cat foods. As a proactive measure, all the foods have been recalled by the product manufacturer, Weruva, and independent research is being conducted to find out the source of the problem. At this stage, it is not yet clear if the problems are due to toxicity or a deficiency in the food. It only appears to be an Australian problem.

Petbarn has recommended that customers stop feeding their cats Best Feline Friend products immediately.

Affected customers may contact the company directly at weruva@salmat.com.au or by calling 1800 338 359 between 9am-7pm EST.

Symptoms to look out for include strange head or eye movements, wobbling, and repeated circling or difficulty in walking. We advise seeking veterinary attention immediately if your cat shows any of these symptoms or is otherwise unwell.

If you have any concerns or questions or wish to make an appointment, please call us on 02 9527 2604.