THIRTEEN dogs have died after an outbreak of a virus in East Lancashire.

A top vet has warned owners to get their puppies vaccinated against the deadly parvovirus.

Claire Batty, senior veterinary surgeon at Myerscough Veterinary Group, said there had been a 'higher than normal' number of cases at its practices.

She said: "We have seen clusters of 12 or 13 cases across Oswaldtwistle, Accrington and Burnley.

"There has been a mixture of young adult and puppies and most of them were unvaccinated. We attempted to treat three or four of them but we had to put them to sleep.

"We may only see one case a month because we have a high prevalence of vaccinated animals.

"An adult dog going for a walk in the park could get the virus particles on its paws and the owner could get it on their coat or feet which would pose a risk to an unvaccinated puppy."

An outbreak killed seven puppies in the Pendle area last February.

The disease is spread when a dog comes into contact with the faeces of other infected dogs.

Symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite or lethargy.

Around 80 per cent of puppies diagnosed die from the virus. Parvovirus occurs in almost all breeds of dog and attacks the heart muscle and intestinal tract.

Anyone with concerns should call Myerscough Veterinary Group on 01254 814863.

Vet Patrick Moore, from Stanley House surgery in Colne, said: "We have had a couple of cases recently. We had a spate of cases the last year. It shows the virus is still out there and people need to get their puppies vaccinated."