Pet owners are demanding answers after being warned to avoid two Fife beaches after a mystery virus killed one dog and made several others ill.
The Courier told on Wednesday how Sarah Murphy’s labrador, which was walked twice daily at Seafield beach in Kirkcaldy, suddenly started vomiting and died within eight hours last week.
The tragic incident came amid similar reports of stricken dogs following walks at the town’s Ravenscraig beach and at nearby West Wemyss.
Now concerned dog owners have set up a Facebook page Mystery (Dog) Virus in Fife and Surrounding Areas to share concerns.
And despite appeals from vets to ensure that all dogs have had their booster jabs against parvovirus, The Courier has been contacted by several dog owners who say their dogs still fell ill despite these vaccinations, making them think there must be a cause other than parvovirus.
Karen Purves, 43, from Main Street, West Wemyss, said her dog Kori Boy had had “a very lucky escape” after falling ill.
She said: “He is still very weak and walking around like a dog twice his age, but he is on the mend and I think we are lucky to still have him.
“I would say to any dog owner to keep an eye out for any symptoms of severe vomiting and diarrhoea and get advice from their vet as soon as possible if they do have any signs.
“Even if it’s just an upset tummy it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Blair Denwette said: “All of those who have and are affected, have been vaccinated against parvovirus. No one, vets included, has yet claimed that this outbreak of illness is parvovirus.
“It should not therefore be assumed that it is safe or that if your animal is vaccinated, that it is safe to drop your vigilance.”
Another dog owner suggested the illnesses could be linked with former coal mines, where concerns have been raised about mine waters rising due to pumps stopping when mines were closed.
However, she was later advised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency that this was unlikely and that the cause was more likely viral or bacterial.
Vets say they have not noticed a marked increase in deaths or sickness. However, with warnings sweeping social media, vets are urging dog owners to remain vigilant for any signs of sickness in their pets, with several advising dog walkers to avoid the areas in the meantime until a cause has been established.
Fife Council officers are monitoring the situation.