News

News From Forestry Commission:

New Moves To Tackle Seasonal Dog Illness  

Agencies and landowners are stepping up their efforts to find out why some dogs have fallen ill while on countryside walks. Cases of so called Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) occurred during the Autumn of 2009 and 2010 in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and Warwickshire, although there have been reports from further afield.

Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea, shaking and trembling and high temperature and have generally been displayed by animals within 24 hours of walking in the countryside, especially in woodlands. 

Jo Atkinson, from the Forestry Commission, said: "Although no cases have yet been reported this year we are working with our many partners to get a clearer picture of the distribution and reasons behind this upsetting sickness. Both dog owners and vets can play their part too in helping protect cherished pets."

Developments include: 

• Agencies including the Forestry Commission and Notts County Council have teamed up to ensure that data collection on incidents is co-ordinated to achieve a much better picture of any outbreaks. It is likely that cases have gone unreported in previous years.
• The Animal Health Trust is asking dog owners who have walked in affected areas to fill in a questionnaire at www.aht.org.uk/seasonal_illness.html even if dogs did not fall ill.
• Nottingham University Veterinary School is to carry out two research projects to try and develop a test for a possible toxin which may be to blame.
• Landowners are seeking to work with vets to learn about cases more rapidly so they can inform people using their sites for dog walking.

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service will monitor reports for unusual cases which could be SCI.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
Everyone concerned with animal welfare can help.

Dog owners

1. Be vigilant for signs of illness and contact a vet immediately if concerned.
2. Be aware of where your dog is walking and what it may be eating and drinking.
3. Think about keeping your dog on a lead.
4. Tell other pet owners about the project to spread the word.

Vets

1. Report suspected cases in Nottinghamshire to enquiries@sherwood.forestry.gsi.gov.uk
2. Collect and store samples for possible use by Nottingham University.
3. Encourage pet owners to complete the Animal Health Trust questionnaire.
4. Display the questionnaire prominently in surgeries.