HUNDREDS of worried dog owners in Redruth and the surrounding areas have vaccinated their pets against a rare, lethal and highly-contagious virus.

Vets in the area say they have been inundated by calls from owners, keen to protect their animals against canine parvovirus.

At least six dogs have died since the virus struck in the area, although others have made a full recovery following veterinary attention.

The first case was reported in Redruth, but since then the virus has struck dogs in travellers' communities in the town and around St Day, Carharrack and Lanner.

Police issued a warning to dog owners last week to watch out for symptoms of the virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and to make sure their animals are up-to-date with inoculations.

Fry, Usher and Edwards Veterinary Centre in Redruth has already vaccinated more than 100 dogs, as well as treating a number that had contracted the virus.

Geoff Usher said: "Dog owners are worried. It is a nasty illness and a serious one if a dog contracts it. We have already vaccinated a considerable number of dogs, and had 53 lined up for vaccinations on Friday alone.

"Most of the dogs had been vaccinated in the past, but owners had failed to keep up with the boosters. Other pet owners are coming in with their dogs a couple of months early just to make sure they are protected."

He added that most of the dogs bought in to the surgery suffering from the virus had had to be put down.

Veterinary surgeon, Jennifer Williamson, said her surgery in Redruth had vaccinated 20 dogs the day after the warning was issued by police, then 60 or 70 the following day and was still seeing dog owners on Friday.

The surgery also treated two dogs that had contracted the virus, but both had made a full recovery.

"The virus can be treated depending on how young the dog is, and if it has any natural immunity," she said. "Puppies and elderly dogs are the most vulnerable."

She recommended dog walkers stay away from well populated areas, wiping dogs' feet with a mild dilution of antiseptic and water when they come in from a walk, and cleaning boots and shoes thoroughly.

Canine parvovirus can be spread from dog to dog or through contact with dog faeces and attacks the intestinal system, causing severe sickness and diarrhoea,

Most puppies are vaccinated against the virus, along with other inoculations, when they are six to eight weeks old. They are then protected by annual boosters.

PC Greg Dawson, based at Redruth, said a number of cases have been confirmed in the traveller community in the affected zone.

He added: "We are a bit worried about people buying puppies at this time of year. Anyone buying a puppy should insist on seeing a valid vaccination card signed by a vet, and also an up to date vaccination card for the puppy's mother. And obviously, buy from a responsible breeder."