Dog centre shuts after parvovirus case confirmed

The rehoming centre in Kenilworth said it would be temporarily closed to the public

An animal rescue centre in Warwickshire has temporarily shut its doors following an outbreak of a potentially fatal dog virus.

A case of parvovirus was confirmed at the Dogs Trust site in Kenilworth.

The highly contagious disease causes diarrhoea and vomiting and can be spread through direct contact but also via infected faeces or in the ground.

"While there is no risk to humans, to limit the spread to other dogs our doors will be closed to the public for the next few days, " a charity spokesperson said.

The virus can affect all breeds and ages and can prove fatal if the symptoms are not treated quickly.

Dogs Trust Kenilworth staff took to social media on Tuesday to announce the closure and confirmed the outbreak the following day.

The rehoming of dogs was also paused until the virus passes and animals were no longer at risk.

Any dogs currently being looked after at the centre would continue to be cared for by rehoming staff who would be "adhering to strict guidelines around barrier care to reduce transmission", the dog welfare charity added.