DOG owners are being warned to protect and clean up after their pets after a suspected outbreak of the potentially deadly Parvo virus.

In recent months vets in Rossendale have reported an increase in the number of cases.

The illness can cause death within days but is easily prevented with an annual vaccination and the Valley's animal warden is urging owners to ensure their pets are protected.

One of the main ways pets catch the disease, which gives them high fever, severe vomiting and diarrhoea, is by coming into contact with the faeces of an infected dog.

Rossendale's neighbourhood environmental action team (NEAT) manager Dave Whiteman said: "We are still getting too many reports to our dog fouling hotline of dog fouling that has not been cleaned up by the owner.

"I am sure that most dog owners would be devastated if they lost their family pet because other people had not cleared up properly.

"We would much prefer to tackle the issue through educating people about the potential dangers that dog faeces can cause, particularly the potential fatal Parvo virus, but we do have the power to fine people who do not clear up the mess."

Rossendale Council provides bins for the safe disposal of dog waste and Rossendale's Animal Warden Dave East holds training and prevention activities with dog owners.

The council has also recently invested in a poop scooper vehicle that can suck dog faeces up from the ground without causing any further contamination.

Mr East said: "If you are a dog owner make sure your pet is properly vaccinated before they are allowed in contact with other dogs."

There is no treatment that kills the virus but treatment is geared towards reducing its effects by replacing fluids, controlling vomiting and general good dog care.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary infections.

Coun Judith Driver, head of streetscene and liveability added: "Our NEAT teams and the animal warden carry out patrols and undercover enforcement action to ensure that dog owners are cleaning up after their dogs.

"They will issue fixed penalty tickets to anyone allowing their dog to foul in a public place without clearing the mess up."

If anyone knows of a dog mess hotspot or wants to report dog fouling incidents please call the dog fouling hotline on 0800 731 3697.