A NASTY and highly-infectious disease has been detected in a dog in Cirencester, and one local vet is urging people to make sure their pets' vaccinations are all up to date.

Stephen Tushingham, a vet at Ashcroft Veterinary Surgery in Cirencester, reported that a local dog had recently been brought to his surgery with a case of Canine Distemper.

Classic symptoms of the viral disease include lethargy, coughing and runny eyes, and a blood test confirmed the infection.

"We haven't been able to determine the source of the infection, we suspect a fox, but this case demonstrates the virus is still out there," said Mr Tushingham.

"Canine Distemper is a nasty infectious viral disease spread between dogs. It used to be widespread before development of vaccination. This case highlights the importance of regular booster vaccinations. This dog was vaccinated as a puppy but not had any boosters over the years and so had lost his immunity."

The disease can have a 50 per cent mortality rate and can also leave surviving dogs with neurological problems.

Mr Tushingham added: "We recommend checking with your vet that your dog's vaccinations are all up to date."