There have been deaths recently linked to the parasite
Dog walkers have been issued a warning about a parasite(Image: Getty)
Dog owners are being warned to be careful when walking their dogs at a popular nature spot near Surrey due to a dangerous parasite. The signs were the parasite can have “devastating consequences” with several deaths recently.
Warning signs have been placed at the entrances to Farthing Downs in South London. The countryside area is home to wildlife and free-roaming cattle. The signs warn about Neospora Caninum, a parasite spread through dog poo that can cause a disease called neosporosis.
The sign reads: “Are you aware? An unborn calf was lost this year and two last year as a result of cattle coming into contact with a disease carried in dog faeces. Neospara Caninum is a parasite carried in dog faeces, which has devastating consequences for our breeding cows, causing them to abort their unborn calves.
“Our cattle are blood tested every year and any cow found to have the disease must be taken out and prematurely culled. The disease cannot be passed between cows but can be passed down genetically from a mother to her calf. For this reason, and the high risk of abortion, we do not breed from infected animals.”
How dog walkers can help
The signs ask visitors to clean up after their pets everywhere on the site: “Please do not think that just because your dog’s mess is off the path it is OK to leave as the cows graze freely across the Downs. Please pick up after your dog to keep our cows safe and for the benefit of all other site users.”
Picking up dog waste is particularly important near any farm animals. Beyond cattle, Neospora Caninum can affect sheep, goats, horses, and deer.
Farthing Downs is managed by the Coulsdon Commons charity, which is funded by the City of London Corporation. A spokesperson for the charity said: “Parasites in dog mess can cause the loss of unborn calves in our grazing herd. By picking up after your dog, you can protect our animals and support the charity that cares for Farthing Downs.”
Farthing Downs is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and features ancient burial mounds and an array of wildlife. Together with neighbouring Happy Valley, Farthing Downs has the largest population of the greater yellow-rattle flower in London. You can also see orchids, bedstraws and scabious in the spring and summer in the area.
New rules
Dog owners also face tougher legal penalties if their dogs harass farm animals. In line with recently updated legislation, owners now face:
- Higher fines: The maximum penalty for livestock worrying has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine
- Wider areas: Rules now apply on public roads, footpaths, and rights of way, not just inside fenced fields
- More animals protected: The law now covers camelids (like llamas and alpacas) alongside cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and deer.
Courtesy of Surrey Live – News