Outbreak of Gastrointestinal Disease in Dogs

31 January 2022

There are ongoing concerns from some veterinary practitioners and owners in several regions of the country about the potential increase in acute gastrointestinal (GI) disease, including vomiting and diarrhoea, in dogs during January. These concerns were first raised in Yorkshire.

SAVSNET, a joint BSAVA and University of Liverpool initiative, has collated data that confirms there is an increase of GI disease affecting dogs around the country. In most parts of the country these increases seem to be in line with normal seasonal variation. However, in Yorkshire, SAVSNET analyses suggests these increases are more sustained over several weeks such that it can be called an outbreak.

In response to ongoing concerns, the SAVSNET team has now initiated a suspected outbreak investigation response. To support the investigation, help is needed from veterinary practices, laboratories and pet owners. SAVSNET is asking practices and owners of affected dogs to complete a questionnaire available here and if practices wish to submit samples, they can contact SAVSNET here .