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Sandringham Estate warns of mystery dog illness
woodland dog
SCI affects dogs during the autumn, with cases usually being seen between August and November. (stock photo)
Seasonal canine illness has affected dogs at the estate in previous years
 
The Queen's Sandringham Estate has issued a warning about the risks of seasonal canine illness (SCI), a mysterious and sometimes fatal illness that can affect dogs that have been walked in woodland.

A statement on the estate's website reads: 'We are approaching the time of year when cases of Seasonal Canine Illness appear in some dogs walked in the Country Park. SCI symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea and some dogs have died of this illness.

'Dog owners should keep their dogs on leads and under close control, and may wish to consider topical spray treatments for mites. Dogs showing any signs of SCI symptoms should be seen by a vet immediately.'

Last year, it was reported that 15 dogs developed SCI after visiting the estate, prompting criticism from some owners, who say there were insufficient warnings.

SCI affects dogs during the autumn, with cases usually being seen between August and November. It causes dogs to become very ill soon after being walked in woodland, and can prove fatal.

The cause of the illness is unknown and there are no known methods of prevention. However, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) says dogs owners may wish to ask their vet about topical spray treatments for mites, which can be applied to the animal just before a walk.

A spokesman for Sandringham Estate is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "The estate makes every effort to spread awareness of seasonal canine illness with the public and to guide dog owners to keep their dogs on leads when walking on the estate."

Warning posters and flyers have been put up at the visitor centre and country park, including the main dog walking areas, car parks and camping and caravan sites.

The spokesman added: "We are not aware of any cases of seasonal canine illness on the estate this year."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.