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Well done Whyalla … you are a knowledgeable, inquisitive and responsive community.
Last month we let everyone know you can put pizza boxes and dog poo in your green waste bin. From that story, we had several residents enquire about the safety of dog poo in the green bin if the dog is suffering from the deadly parvovirus.
The good folk at Cleanaway, the company that picks up our kerbside waste, were quick to confirm parvovirus is destroyed in the composting process.
In a statement from Cleanaway, after consultation with Peats and Jeffries who process green-bin compost, they said: “Commercial composters in South Australia manage large windrows of material at over 55 degrees Celcius for longer periods than the 8 days required for parvovirus inactivation”.
That’s obviously good news for dog owners when it comes to this compost coming back into the community clean of diseases but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still be wary of this disease.
It has been confirmed there is a bout of parvovirus going around Whyalla.
You probably wouldn’t put parvovirus infected poo in the green bin anyway because it is likely to be diarrhoea. However, the waste from a dog is in the early stages of parvo, when it is still solid, is okay in the green bin because it prevents immediate contact and the spread of infection.
No dog poo should not be left in a plastic bag when putting it in the green bin.
Either way, if you suspect your dog has parvo, your immediate focus should be getting to the vet.
Parvovirus is a very contagious small virus that affects the gastrointestinal track of dogs. It is spread through the waste of infected dogs.
Experts say 80% of dogs will show no signs of the virus in the early stages of incubation. Infected dogs may develop the disease if they are unvaccinated or their immune system is weakened due to fighting other infections or parasites.
Symptoms will initially include an upset stomach, vomiting, lack of energy, loss of appetite, weight loss and discomfort which can progress to fever and bloody diarrhoea.
Any dog poo in your garden from the infected dog should be doused with a suitable disinfectant (e.g. bleach solution of at least 1 part bleach to 30 parts water). Any bleached waste should be placed in your red-lidded bin for landfill.
Even after recovery from parvovirus, a dog—and especially its waste—will remain contagious for about two months. You should also spray your backyard with this solution as the parvovirus can survive in the ground. Unfortunately, it will probably kill your grass but this is a small price to pay to keep your property "parvo-free".
Be aware, however, that keeping your own backyard “clean” does not prevent you tracking the virus back home on your shoes etc., from other places you visit.
The best thing pet owners can do to prevent parvovirus is have their dog vaccinated as soon as possible.
Vets in Whyalla can offer a 5-in-one vaccination for under $100 that will protect your dog from parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospira and coronavirus. All of these are potentially life-threatening diseases for dogs.
Puppies need a couple of vaccinations as they are the most susceptible to parvovirus particularly. Older dogs should have booster shots each year.
For more information on what can go in your green bin ring Council on 8640 3444, Cleanaway on 1300 559 206, the Recycle Right Hotline 1300 137 118 or go to www.whyalla.sa.gov.au
