Seasonal Canine Illness........

.....we were thinking of going to the CC 'National' next May, but have decided against it owing to the fact that 'Seasonal Canine Illness' has been reported on the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, where the rally is due to be held. We always travel with our dogs and are only too aware of this illness - we lost our Yorkie, Bonnie, to it three years ago and it's not something we are prepared to take a chance with. The worst part of it is that vets have no real idea what causes SCI - apparently it is more likely to be caught in wooded areas, but not always, and, even though it is more prevalent between August and November, it has been reported at other times of the year. So far it has been confirmed in woodland in Sandringham, Thetford, Nottingham and the New Forest, but our Bonnie contracted it in Sheringham Park - she died within 24 hours.
More information, such as is available, can be found on the Animal Health Trust website, and I understand that HM the Queen has funded research out of concern for dog-walkers on the Sandringham Estate, where warning notices have been posted.
Sorry for the tone of this post, but we don't want anyone else to risk their beloved pet's life.
Andy

Thanks for that . I am aware of this disease but thought it was  only between September and November, from the spores of the ferns. I love Sandringham and Norfolk , but I too value my best friends life.

The latest theory is that it's caused by 'harvest mites'......but, as I said, no one really knows.
Take care

Andy

Andy, I'm sorry for your loss of your little one and thank you for the timely reminder.

I used the Sandringham C&CC site in April 2013 when my lab was only 6 months old and there were warning signs up, which I assumed were from the previous season. This was my first dog and my first experience/knowledge of this disease, so I was quite ignorant of what it could do.

There's no way on this earth that I would risk my best mate now,

Ken.

Thanks for the kind words, Ken. And you're right, it's not worth the risk!

Andy

AndyPK wrote:The latest theory is that it's caused by 'harvest mites'......but, as I said, no one really knows.
Take care

Andy

I was told my the breeder of my Beardie when getting them home after a walk wash their paws in Hibiscrub, keeps harvest mites at bay, which I do, so may be worth doing as a precaution.

It is heartbreaking losing a family member, "pets"  so sorry for your loss Andy.

Sorry to read about wee dug Bonnie Andy, albeit three years ago, my son runs a touring site in the New Forrest and hasn't heard of SCI, we generally keep our BT on lead when we visit the NFC, so she doesn't wander of after rabbits etc.
Boaby

daisy mae wrote:Thanks for that . I am aware of this disease but thought it was  only between September and November, from the spores of the ferns. I love Sandringham and Norfolk , but I too value my best friends life.

August to November, basically all of Autumn.

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Thanks for the info Andy, I pick up our new puppy next week and I've never heard of this.

Cheers.

John.