Staffordshire dog owners warned over potentially fatal parasite
Two serious cases of potentially fatal parasite lungworm – including one in Staffordshire – have prompted a vets to issue an urgent warning to dog owners across the region.
Lungworm causes serious health issues for dogs and can prove fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
The national Act against Lungworm website reveals the parasite – carried by slugs, snails and frogs – is now endemic throughout much of the UK, although cases in the Staffordshire area have so far been rare.
Now the two incidents, one in Gnosall and the other in Stoke have triggered a swift reaction from Will Jeffels, clinical director at Shires Vets, who has spoken out in a bid to prevent further infections.
He said: “Prevention is the key and there are some very simple measures that dog owners can take. The main one is to be aware of the threat of slugs, snails and frogs which can all carry the lungworm larvae.”
For more information on Shires Vets, visit www.shiresvets.com
