Warning about danger of dog poo to cattle and other wildlife

Photo credit Miguel Arcanjo Saddi, Pexels images

Dog walkers using public rights of way are being urged to clear up after their pets to help prevent the spread of an infectious disease that can be dangerous to cattle, dogs and other wildlife.

Neosporosis is spread when neospora eggs are produced by infected dogs and excreted in their faeces. Cattle will become infected if they eat grass or drink water contaminated with the eggs.

Neosporosis can cause abortions in cattle and is thought to be responsible for the highest percentage of all cattle abortions reported in the UK. It can also cause illness in adult dogs and death in young puppies.

The prevalence of the disease in cattle herds – and its potential impact on farm economics due to infected cows being more likely to abort, premature culling and reduced milk yields – make this an important disease to try to control.

Dogs can become infected with Neospora after eating raw meat, fluids, or placenta from an infected intermediary host. The eggs shed in their faeces are infectious for up to six months.

Dan Morris, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental maintenance, said:

“Dog faeces left in farmer’s fields isn’t just unpleasant. The diseases in dog poo can also pose a serious risk to livestock and other dogs and cause serious diseases through the contamination of grass and water.

“Please keep your dogs under control, adhere to the Public Rights of Way at all times and collect up all your dog’s faeces, to help minimize the risk of spreading this distressing disease.

“Thank you for your help, together we can all make a difference.”

For more information and to report dog fouling, click here.