A DOG warden is calling for a campaign to make children aware of a disease caused by dog fowling.

Stephen Wood, dog warden for Hyndburn Borough Council, said his area "was sinking under a pile of dog dirt" which could lead to a real health hazard -- especially for youngsters.

Dog faeces could lead to a disease called toxocara which, in its worst case, can lead to blindness.

Although adults can catch it as well, Mr Wood said children may be more susceptible as they are not as hygiene conscious.

He said the problem has been heightened by the recent bad weather and warned that dog-owners can face up to a £1,000 fine if their dogs are caught fouling.

He said: "At this time of year, with the nights getting dark early, people are taking their dogs out and letting them foul because they think nobody can see them.

"It's only with the snow melting recently that we have discovered just how bad it is, and there has been no rain to wash it away. I have been inundated with complaints about it and it is a real problem."

Mr Wood said as well as being unpleasant, dog faeces could carry illnesses. Toxocara comes out in dogs who have not been wormed -- the worm comes out in faeces and the worm lays microscopic eggs that cannot be seen. Even if the dog dirt has been washed away the germs can remain for up to four years. He said: "We really need an awareness campaign as Hyndburn is sinking under a pile of dog dirt at the moment. This can make people very poorly and the worst case scenario is that they can go blind.

"Children are more susceptible because of the lifestyle they lead, If a youngster picks up a ball the germs are transferred to their hands and then into their system if they do not wash their hands before eating. The tragedy is that it is preventable if all dogs are wormed four times a year and if everyone who walks a dog is responsible and cleans up after them.

"The problem is that there is not an area of grass or parks that is not affected so there is absolute contamination. The main problem is along the canal dog walks where it a disgrace and even responsible dog owners are sick of it because it is giving them a bad name." Dog owners can face a £25 on the spot fine if they are caught allowing their animal to foul the pavements and up to £1,000 of they challenge it in the courts. Mr Wood said last year he issued almost 50 fines.

Roberta Marshall, consultant for communicable diseases at East Lancashire Health Authority, said toxocara was not common disease although did nit have exact figures.

She said: "It is found worldwide and infection is more common in children.

"People can be infected without showing any symptoms. Young children tend to have symptoms such as fever, chest problems and a skin rash. Infection can also cause an enlarged liver and spleen. Other children can have eye disease affecting vision."