AHT study examines the effect of fipronil spray on SCI

A pilot study by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) has been launched to investigate possible links between seasonal canine illness (SCI) and harvest mites.

The charity is calling for dog owners to take part in the research by treating their dog with a  fipronil spray directly before walking in woodlands at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, which is one of the AHT's current investigation sites.

The research team say that while there are no licensed products to specifically prevent against harvest mites, fipronil spray is thought to be effective against other mites.

As the spray is a prescription-only medicine, the charity will provide dog owners with vouchers entitling them to the product free of charge. These vouchers can be redeemed at the owner's local veterinary practice, at the discretion of their vet.

Dog owners wishing to get involved with the study will be required to complete an SCI online questionnaire after their visit to the Estate, as well as a follow-up questionnaire, regardless of whether their dog became ill.

Researchers will use the data gathered from this study to determine whether or not providing preventative treatment against mites may have an effect on the incidence of SCI.

Charlotte Robin, SCI research co-ordinator at the trust, said: "Dog owners need to be aware that using fipronil spray may not protect their dog from SCI, but it could protect them from harvest mites and other external parasites. What we are trying to do with this study is eliminate the harvest mite and other external parasites from our enquiries.

"Clearly if harvest mites are not causing SCI then using fipronil spray is not going to stop dogs from contracting SCI, so please remain vigilant for the clinical signs in your dog and contact your vet immediately for advice if you suspect something is wrong."

Researchers say it is important that owners use fipronil spray, rather than the spot-on treatment, as they believe this will give vulnerable areas a higher level of localised protection.

The pilot study follows on from initial research by the trust, which examined possible causes of the mystery illness, which in recent years has affected a number of dogs after woodland walks.

The trust says cases of SCI are most commonly seen from August to November. Clinical signs, which include vomiting, diarrhoea and/or lethargy, tend to appear within 24 to 72 hours of walking in woodland.

According to the latest figures from the trust, a total of 49 cases of the illness have been reported so far this year, a number of which have shown evidence of harvest mite infestation.

Dog owners wishing to take part in the study can register here.