Dog owners in Notts warned of potentially fatal infection outbreak

Minster Veterinary Centre, Southwell, said it believes the discovery of the water-borne disease is related to recent flooding in the area.

Two dogs that were confirmed with having Leptospirosis, also known as Weil's disease, have died in the past six weeks, while another was suspected of having it last week.

Following the outbreak the Southwell vet has launched a vaccine “amnesty”, allowing owners to bring pets to the centre for a vaccine at a reduced price.

A spokesman said: “We would like to make the public aware of a confirmed case of Leptospirosis in a dog which we believe to be related to the recent flooding in the area.

“The strain was confirmed as L.Copenhageni, which is only covered by the L4 vaccine, not the L2 vaccine.

“Animals can be successfully treated if the disease is caught in the early stages but sadly some cases are fatal.

“There is a vaccine that can help prevent this disease and we encourage dog owners to check that their animals are up to date with the new generation vaccination (L4).

“We have reduced the price of an upgrade or a re-start vaccination course for out of date vaccines from £41.25 to £27.50.”

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Dogs can catch it by coming into contact with urine from an infected animal, or from contaminated water.

It is a serious, often fatal disease that damages the liver and kidneys.