Lungworm hotspots in Epping Forest have been revealed after vets warn thousands of dogs are at risk from the deadly parasite.

Dogs can be infected with the potentially fatal parasite when they eat common slugs and snails in their garden or on walks.

The signs of lungworm are not always obvious, and puppies can be especially likely to eat slugs and snails, due to their inquisitive nature.

Experts are suggesting that slug and snail activity could explode in the UK after the damp weather in May.

A total of 1,542 cases of lungworm have been reported within a 50-mile radius of Epping – with most of those in London.

The map shows four cases were reported in Epping, one case in Waltham Abbey, one in Debden and one in High Beach.

Epping Forest Guardian:

A survey from Elanco Animal Health indicates that 42 per cent of dog owners are not aware of what lungworm is or how it can infect dogs.

But vets are more concerned at the number of dogs that are not adequately protected.

The poll revealed that only 21 per cent of dog owners surveyed had given their dog a lungworm preventative treatment in the past month.

Dr Bryony Tolhurst, a behavioural ecologist at the University of Brighton, said: “The slime of slugs and snails can contain the infective lungworm parasite that can cause disease in dogs.

“With the unusually damp weather the UK has been experiencing this year, slugs and snails are more active, and lungworm larvae can survive for up to two weeks in their slime, potentially exposing dogs to the parasite.”

Vets are warning that the signs of lungworm are not always obvious, and puppies can be especially likely to eat slugs and snails, due to their inquisitive nature.

The infection is much easier to prevent than it is to cure, experts say.

Elanco’s new campaign – Open your eyes to deadly lungworm – warns owners of the effect parasite can have on their dogs.

Luke Gamble, veterinarian and campaign supporter, said: “I care passionately about this campaign because so many dog owners are unaware of the dangers of lungworm.

“The key thing is understanding that over-the-counter medications can’t protect dogs against lungworm, so it’s vital owners speak to their vet to make sure their dog is continuously protected.”