DOG owners have been issued an urgent warning after an outbreak of a mystery beach bug killed one pooch and left another eight ill.
A number of dogs are reportedly ill after being walked on the Welsh island of Anglesey with the popular beach at Aberffraw suspected as being the centre.
Environment officials have warned of a possible cluster with pet owners saying the outbreak has left them worried as the cause is yet to be identified.
All known incidents are believed to be linked to contact with still water near beaches.
Natural Resources Wales – the Environment Agency in Wales – is urging dog owners to take precautions.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of dogs falling ill on beaches on Anglesey and we have been liaising with local groups and individuals.
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“We do not believe this is linked to any algal blooms in the area and we will continue to monitor the situation.
"However, we would advise owners to keep pets away from any stagnant water and any obvious algal growth or accumulation as a precaution.”
An Anglesey dog owner who is liaising with NRW has been contacted by several others whose dogs have fallen ill.
In most cases, symptoms were severe, one dog owner has warned.
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Writing on social media, she warned: “Nothing obvious has been reported, such as palm oil or eating dead fish.
“However the one factor that’s common to the cases is dogs visiting still water as well as the sea.
“I am aware of eight dogs that have fallen ill.
“In some cases it has been serious, affecting the liver and kidneys and requiring veterinary treatment.”
She has followed her own advice, buying a childs’ plastic sandpit and filling with fresh water daily for her water-loving spaniel.
“It means the house is always muddy but he adores his paddling pool and I know he is safe,” she said.
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