THE DEADLY killer disease Parvo virus has been confirmed in dogs in the Lydney area. It has not been seen in the Forest for many years.
The virus, which is highly infectious, rapidly kills affected animals and a number have died locally.
Vet Mark Hinds is warning owners of unvaccinated dogs to avoid walking them in areas popular with other pet owners.
"It would be advisable to avoid those areas until we see how the situation develops. We will update Review readers next week," he said.
The virus attacks dogs' digestive systems causing severe red/brown, foul smelling diarrhoea and is often accompanied by vomiting.
Mr Hinds said: "Affected dogs need rapid and intensive treatment but even then not all will survive.
"Fortunately the disease can be prevented by a single vaccination every year. If your dog has not been recently vaccinated then it can be given a booster injection to protect it and we have ordered in extra stocks of vaccine for animals whose immune system needs boosting."
•Severnside vets can offer a special 'Parvo only' vaccine. Further information is available by telephoning Dean 842185 or 835600.