Seasonal Canine Illness
The following is taken from the Forestry Commission's website with advice regarding SCI
Since 2009, during late August to early November, Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) has been causing some dogs to fall ill on Forestry Commission and surrounding land, resulting in death for a handful each year. Past cases have been reported in Nottinghamshire (Sherwood), Lincolnshire, Thetford, Suffolk (Rendlesham), Sandringham and possible cases in the New Forest.
"You will see that following analysis of data received, we still haven’t identified a cause for SCI. We have however noted a couple of recurring patterns, and are advising dog owners of these so they can make informed decisions regarding visiting affected areas. We are advising dog owners to speak to their vet about spray treatments for ectoparasites (fleas, ticks and mites) which can be applied just before walking in woodlands as a preventive treatment against Harvest mites. We are also letting people know that evidence suggests that dogs that have travelled further to our study sites appear at increased risk of SCI. We are not suggesting that either of these are the definitive cause, but they recurring themes from our investigation so far. We want to provide dog owners with as much information as possible to ensure they can make informed decisions about where to walk their dogs. " Animal Health Trust.
Although more cases are being reported each year, with more awareness-raising, vigilance of the public and staff more dogs are receiving medical treatment earlier and surviving.
Research has ruled out man-made poisons, water quality, fungi and flora but unfortunately we are looking for a small needle in a very large hay stack. Information gleaned in 2011 has helped us to narrow this search area but we do need the public to keep us informed.
Research still continues at the five study sites (listed above) but reminds staff and the public that SCI could happen in any woodland so vigilance is the key. In order to help find the cause the AHT desperately need information from dogs that have been walked at any of our study sites, even if they did not become ill. Questionnaires can be filled in online and the public should be encouraged to do so.
If you would like any more information on the condition or would like to report a case of SCI please get in touch with the Animal Health Trust: sci@aht.org.uk
What can dog owners do?
1. Be vigilant for signs of illness and contact a vet immediately if concerned
2. Be aware of where your dog is and what it may be eating/drinking/walking through
3. Fill in the Animal Health Trust questionnaire if you have walked your dog in an affected area, even if your dog has not become ill. There are specific questionnaires for various sites that can be downloaded from the Animal Health Trust Website
4. Notify other pet owners you encounter about the project – spread the word!
Useful links
"You will see that following analysis of data received, we still haven’t identified a cause for SCI. We have however noted a couple of recurring patterns, and are advising dog owners of these so they can make informed decisions regarding visiting affected areas. We are advising dog owners to speak to their vet about spray treatments for ectoparasites (fleas, ticks and mites) which can be applied just before walking in woodlands as a preventive treatment against Harvest mites. We are also letting people know that evidence suggests that dogs that have travelled further to our study sites appear at increased risk of SCI. We are not suggesting that either of these are the definitive cause, but they recurring themes from our investigation so far. We want to provide dog owners with as much information as possible to ensure they can make informed decisions about where to walk their dogs. " Animal Health Trust.
Although more cases are being reported each year, with more awareness-raising, vigilance of the public and staff more dogs are receiving medical treatment earlier and surviving.
Research has ruled out man-made poisons, water quality, fungi and flora but unfortunately we are looking for a small needle in a very large hay stack. Information gleaned in 2011 has helped us to narrow this search area but we do need the public to keep us informed.
Research still continues at the five study sites (listed above) but reminds staff and the public that SCI could happen in any woodland so vigilance is the key. In order to help find the cause the AHT desperately need information from dogs that have been walked at any of our study sites, even if they did not become ill. Questionnaires can be filled in online and the public should be encouraged to do so.
If you would like any more information on the condition or would like to report a case of SCI please get in touch with the Animal Health Trust: sci@aht.org.uk
What can dog owners do?
1. Be vigilant for signs of illness and contact a vet immediately if concerned
2. Be aware of where your dog is and what it may be eating/drinking/walking through
3. Fill in the Animal Health Trust questionnaire if you have walked your dog in an affected area, even if your dog has not become ill. There are specific questionnaires for various sites that can be downloaded from the Animal Health Trust Website
4. Notify other pet owners you encounter about the project – spread the word!
Useful links
