Mystery 'vomiting virus' making dogs in Greater Manchester sick could be connected to coronavirus

There has been a surge in cases of a dog disease in Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury — but no one can nail down its exact cause.

A wave of infections across the North — including Yorkshire and Lancashire — has seen some vets introduce new measures to stop the spread of gastrointestinal (GI) disease.

Studies into the disease, sometimes called vomiting virus, have identified an ‘outbreak’ in Yorkshire, and have found one trend in preliminary research.

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That is the presence of canine coronavirus in the poorly pooches, but researchers say it is ‘premature’ to attribute the rise in the disease to the virus.

“Real-time data from collaborating laboratories suggest existing pathogens like parvovirus are not involved in these increases,” an update from Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) at the University of Liverpool, the body tracking cases, said.

The February 16 statement added: “However, we have previously shown that canine enteric coronavirus (CECoV) is more likely to be found in samples submitted for testing during winter, and this is the same this year.

“Although it is tempting to speculate on a role for CECoV in the current increased cases of GI disease, that would be premature based on our current data.”

Figures from SAVSNET show that Bury, Oldham, and Rochdale vets are seeing 30.48 appointments concerning GI disease in every 1,000 vet consultations.

The figure is 24.26 in Manchester, and 18.16 in Bolton and Wigan.

In Yorkshire, where an outbreak has been declared, the numbers are around the 53 range.

However, vets are urging owners in Greater Manchester to remain calm despite the spread of