Biosecurity Tasmania has advised dog owners of a severe outbreak of a dangerous virus in the state’s north-west.

Parvovirus has a fatality rate of up to 80 per cent in young dogs and puppies, and is considered a serious risk to other age groups.

Forbes Street Veterinary Clinic in Devonport has reported several recent confirmed cases of canine parvovirus in the East Devonport, Spreyton and Latrobe areas.

The clinic’s Dr Bob Clippingdale said it had been horrendous.

“We’ve had 10 to 15 cases in the last fortnight and the Dogs Home here in Devonport have had a number as well,” he said.

“It’s been a very severe one (outbreak] too, we’ve had great trouble with it, the majority of dogs have died from it.”

Signs of canine parvovirus infection in a dog include watery diarrhoea, vomiting, general lethargy and dullness.

In an advisory Biosecurity Tasmania said dogs could become extremely sick, very quickly and some may die due to the effects of dehydration.

It has advised new puppies be kept out of public areas until they have had their vaccinations.