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<p>Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency have been in touch with the University
of Liverpool Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) which has been
investigating the increase in reports of vomiting and diarrhoea (V&D) in dogs
in the Northeast of England. Investigations continue, but so far SAVSNET has reported
a seasonal increase across England in V&D commonly seen each year in dogs, with
an exceptional peak in NE Yorkshire. There is some positive association with canine
enteric coronavirus and no link to walking on the beach for the majority of cases.
While it cannot definitively point to a common cause, SAVSNET does suggest this is
a transmissible infection rather than contact with the beach area or sea water. Canine
enteric coronavirus is an alpha-coronavirus and is not related to beta-coronavirus
which causes COVID-19.</p><p> </p><p>The dogs recover after a few days, although some
may require supportive care from their vet.</p><p> </p><p>SAVSNET stated on 3 February:
“Between 29<sup>th</sup> and 31<sup>st</sup> January 2022 we had details of 208 cases
submitted by vets and owners. The most common clinical signs reported were inappetence,
and vomiting and diarrhoea both without blood. The majority (79%) of dogs had NOT
visited the beach prior to becoming ill and many cases were reported inland (away
from the coast). The vast majority of cases (94%) had been vaccinated in the last
three years. The majority (56) of the 88 owners who had more than one dog reported
that other dogs in the household had also shown similar signs possibly suggesting
in infectious cause. The majority of dogs seem to recover within 7-14 days, although
over 60% required treatment of some form. No underlying cause was reported and so
the aetiology of this outbreak is still unknown.”</p><p> </p><p>SAVSNET is continuing
with its investigation and we continue to keep this under consideration.</p>
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