Friday 29th March 2013




Local veterinary surgeon and partner for Chesterfield Vets4Pets Jenny Cartwright, is warning dog owners to be on the lookout for a potentially fatal disease caused by infection from the lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus vasorum).

Last year's damp summer and mild winter conditions have proved ideal for slug and snail populations, leading experts to warn of a continued spread of lungworm in the UK.

A study by the RVCi shows that lungworm is spreading beyond the traditional geographic distribution with 20% of veterinary practices across the country reporting at least one case of the parasite.

Furthermore, a new survey of more than 2,000 UK dog owners, launching this year's 'Be Lungworm Aware' campaign by Bayer, has discovered that 84% admit to not being able to identify the symptoms of the parasite in their dog.

One third (33%) of dog owners admitted they don't know how their dog can become infected with lungworm and half have said they don't believe their dog is at risk.

Lungworm is a parasite that dogs become infected with after eating common garden slugs and snails carrying the larvae.

Once inside the dog's system, the parasite travels through the body eventually ending up in the heart. If the infection is left untreated, the dog's health can rapidly deteriorate, and can even result in death.

To help raise awareness of the parasite, Jenny Cartwright (left) is joining other vets and owners nationwide in support of the national 'Be Lungworm Aware' campaign. The scheme will offer support and education to owners and vet practices throughout April, which has been labelled 'Lungworm Awareness Month'.

Biodiversity & Conservation Officer for The Natural History Museum, Professor Fred Naggs, said: "An increase in the number of slug and snail populations this year would suggest there will consequently be a continued spread of the parasite."

However, this depends on a number of factors:

1. the number of slugs and snails around last year, of which there were many
   
   
2. the level of precipitation throughout the year, as slugs and snails will breed continuously when temperatures are mild to warm and there is adequate relative humidity.

According to many reports in the press, last year was one of the wettest on record, which helps aid the survival of slugs and snails over the winter. As this winter has not been particularly harsh, reasonable numbers of slugs and snails should have survived.

Jenny Cartwright explains "Dogs which have picked up a lungworm infection can show a number of different symptoms. Lungworm often gives rise to breathing difficulties, ranging from a lack of energy to coughing.

"Dogs may also show general signs of being unwell including weight loss, reduced appetite and vomiting. Persistent bleeding, even from minor cuts is also a sign to watch out for.

"However, the symptoms can be varied and some dogs may appear healthy in the early stages of infection, so if owners are concerned about their dog's health, they should contact their veterinary practice for further advice."

Routine use of a specific treatment, available from veterinary surgeons, prevents dogs from developing a lungworm infection. Some pet owners believe that lungworm can be prevented using conventional worming tablets, which is unfortunately not the case.

Jenny is encouraging dog owners to contact their local veterinary practice for further information, or to discuss their dog's parasite protection plan.

To further help spread the word about the campaign, people will be encouraged to end their tweets on Twitter with the hash tag #belungwormaware in a display of support.  For more information on lungworm, visit www.lungworm.co.uk

'Be Lungworm Aware' is part of Bayer Animal Health's wider 'It's a Jungle Out There' parasite awareness initiative. You can help spread the word by liking 'Jungle for Pets' on Facebook or by following @JungleForPets on Twitter.

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