New warning for dog owners

WARNING notices are to be placed in Ipswich parks alerting pet owners to an outbreak of a virus which has already killed a number of dogs.

Ipswich Borough Council has been consulting with vets in the town following the spread of the virus, which is yet to be formally identified through tests but is a form of severe gastroenteritis.

The council has now decided to place notices alerting dog owners to the dangers of the virus and appealing to them to ensure they clean up after their pets to help limit its spread.

A spokesman for the council said: “We've been in very regular contact with vets across Ipswich.

“We have been liaising with them on a daily basis and we're still seeking definite diagnosis from vets.

“We will be putting up posters in our parks reminding dog owners that they must clear up after their pets and we will be keeping the situation under constant review.”

The virus has already claimed the lives of a number of dogs in Ipswich and several dozen more are thought to have fallen ill but survived following treatment by vets.

Last week the RSPCA raised the possibility the virus was actually the often lethal parvovirus despite tests proving negative for this.

Most of the affected animals have been from the Gainsborough and Chantry areas of the town but vets have urged pet owners not to walk their dogs in areas where large numbers of animals are taken, such as parks, and to take them to the vets as soon as they show symptoms of the virus.

Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

The council spokesman said: “We will put these messages up appealing for people to clean up after their dogs.

“We will be regularly patrolling our parks to try and ensure compliance.”

Weblink: www.ipswich.gov.uk