LUNGWORM hotspots in south Essex have been revealed after vets warn the deadly parasite is spreading throughout the country.

Vets are encouraging dog owners to take the threat of lungworm seriously and to take steps to protect their dogs against the potentially fatal parasite.

Once considered rare in the UK, the lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is spreading throughout the country.

Research by the Royal Veterinary College has found that one in five vet practices in the UK have reported at least one clinical case of lungworm in a dog.

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Lungworm is contracted when a dog accidentally or deliberately ingests slugs or snails but frogs can also carry the larvae, posing an additional risk to dogs. 

The signs of lungworm infection can include coughing, fatigue, clotting problems, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea and behaviour changes, including lethargy, depression and even seizures.

An online lungworm map has been created for dog owners to check if cases of the infection have been reported in their area.

It shows a total of 1,365 cases of lungworm have been reported within a 50 mile radius of Southend.

The map shows in south Essex*:

  • 6 cases were reported in and around Southend
  • 15 were reported in and around Basildon
  • one case in Rochford
  • one near Wickford
  • 12 in Rayleigh
  • two on Canvey
  • three in Billericay
  • two in Chafford Hundred
  • one in Grays
  • three in Benfleet

The spread of this potentially deadly parasite has driven vets to speak out to warn dog owners about the dangers of lungworm.

Dr Simon Hayes, Veterinary Surgeon in London, said of the lungworm threat: "I see it as the duty of the veterinary profession to advise all dog owners whose dogs may be at risk – which is pretty much every dog – that lungworm is a preventable disease and potentially fatal if left untreated."

*These figures are correct as of June 24