The lungworm hotspots across County Durham and Darlington have been revealed, as experts warn that thousands of dogs across the region could be in danger of the potentially deadly parasite.
Damp weather across the region is reportedly behind a boom in slug and snail activity, potentially leading to dogs having a greater risk of contracting lungworm at home in the garden, while on a walk or drinking puddles and water bowls.
The slime of slugs and snails can contain the infective lungworm parasite that can cause disease in dogs.
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In a map released by pet company ‘My Pet & I’, 26 reported cases within a 50-mile radius of County Durham and Darlington have been reported.
Within the data, three cases of Lungworm have been reported in Darlington, while a further two have been revealed in Bishop Auckland and Crook respectively.
Elsewhere, several cases in Teesside, North Yorkshire and Tyne & Wear make up the 26 figures.
Despite the stats not becoming as worrying as other parts of the country, with places like Hampshire having over 600 cases, vets are more concerned at the number of dogs that are not adequately protected.
A survey from Elanco Animal Health indicates that 42 per cent of dog owners are not aware of what lungworm is or how it can infect dogs.
The poll revealed that only 21 per cent of dog owners surveyed had given their dog a lungworm preventative treatment in the past month.
Vets4Pets in Durham said: “Lungworm is a nasty parasite which can cause serious health problems. Slugs and snails carry the lungworm larvea and if it is ingested by your dog, they can become infested.
“Tips to help avoid your dog coming into contact with lungworm larvea are to bring their toys indoors at night and avoid letting your dog play with sticks which could be covered in snail and slug slime.
“Breathing problems, excessive bleeding, weight loss and changes in behaviour are all signs that your pet might have lungworm.
“Lungworm can be fatal in dogs.”
What is Lungworm?
Infected dogs and foxes spread the parasite into the environment via lungworm larvae released in their faeces.
Slugs and snails then ingest the larvae while feeding.
Other dogs and foxes can become infected with lungworm when they swallow these slugs/snails or potentially even their slime.
Infected dogs that travel and foxes that roam result in the spread of the parasite across the country.
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