Warning to dog walkers over deadly disease outbreak at English seaside beauty spot

DOG owners have been warned to “stay away” from a UK seaside beauty spot following a deadly outbreak. Visitors have been urged to keep pets on leads and away from the water’s edge. Dogs can become seriously ill if they come into contact with the dead birds Credit: Alamy A deadly outbreak of avian botulism has been suspected at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, according to Sussex Wildlife Trust. A number of dead birds had been found in the area, which were believed to have been killed by the disease. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! As a result, dog walkers have been told to keep pets on leads at all times and not to allow them to enter the water. Dogs should also not eat or come near dead or injured birds, as this may result in botulism – a rare and very serious condition in dogs which leads to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. Outbreaks of avian botulism peak in warm, shallow, stagnant water when low oxygen and high heat trigger toxin production. The disease is often fatal in wild and captive birds, causing drooping wings, inability to fly and breathing failure. A spokesperson for Sussex Wildlife Trust said: “We have sadly become aware of a number of dead birds at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, with avian botulism suspected as the cause. “Recent hot and dry conditions have caused water levels to fall significantly, creating conditions in which the toxin can develop. Most read in The Sun “Similar incidents have been reported in other areas of the UK.” “Large numbers of birds may be affected and outbreaks can last for several weeks and may recur.” Visitors have been urged to report dead or infected birds by calling the DEFRA helpline. Comment now