AN ANIMAL rescue centre is today back on track after getting the all clear following an outbreak of a potentially deadly infection.

AN ANIMAL rescue centre is today back on track after getting the all clear following an outbreak of a potentially deadly infection.

Normal working practice was put on hold at the RSPCA centre in Martlesham after it was discovered early last month that six of the 15 dogs there were infected with kennel cough.

However after weeks of intensive treatment, the all-clear has been given and now the dogs are being assessed before they will be ready for re-homing at the beginning of next week.

Taking in new dogs will be a slow process at first as there is a backlog and so some of the animals have been diverted to other local animal charities.

Kieron Adams, manager of the Suffolk East and Ipswich branch based in Mill Lane, said: “It will be so nice to have some new dogs in. It has been a bit frustrating for people who have not been able to get a dog to re-home but hopefully now it will go back to normal.”

The disease, which is similar to the flu virus in humans, does not affect any other of the centre's animals and they can all still be re-homed.

The RSPCA's open day was due to take place early this month but this has now been put back to October 5 when all the dogs should be better.