Dog owners in Wiltshire are being warned about a deadly condition which is 'spreading fast' across the country.

There have been four cases of lungworm reported across Swindon and the surrounding area - with a total of 200 in a 50-mile radius.

Two cases have been reported in Wroughton, one case in Shaw and one case in Purton

Cases have also been reported in Faringdon, Stanford in the Vale, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Durrington and Codford.

Four cases have been reported just over the Somerset border in Frome, and three in Bath.

Lungworm can be fatal to dogs - nine per cent of infected dogs will die - and it is spreading throughout the UK.

A lungworm map monitoring cases has been set up for dog owners to check where cases are reported and it shows that there have been 230 reported cases within a 50-mile radius of the town. 

What is it?

Lungworm is a parasite that can cause serious health problems in your pet and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.

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 slime.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of the infection include: coughing, changes in breathing or struggling to breathe, going off food, upset stomach with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, weight loss, tiredness, unexplained or excessive bruising, pale gums and bleeding.

How to prevent your dog from catching lungworm:

  • Regular worming treatments
  • Picking up your dog’s faeces quickly. This will help prevent the spread of lungworm
  • Removing toys and bowls from the garden overnight so they are not exposed to slugs and snails
  • Changing the water in water bowls frequently

Lungworm cannot be transmitted to humans.