Puppies sold at Peterborough boot sale had parvo virus
The RSPCA is appealing for information after Dalmatian puppies bought at a Peterborough car boot sale were found to be suffering from parvo virus.
Eight puppies have so far been brought in to the local centre. Six have died and two are "dangerously ill".
The highly-contagious virus is spread through infected faeces and can survive in the environment for nine months.
Animal welfare officer Kathy Hornig said this was being treating as an "isolated incident", not an outbreak.
The RSPCA believes a man tried to sell 13 Dalmatian puppies, as well as their mother, at various locations in Peterborough.
He reportedly sold the puppies at the car boot sale on Sunday 14 August.
The organisation also received a report that the same man attempted to sell them in the Beaver Road area of the city.
Ms Hornig said that the RSPCA was "deeply concerned" as one of the puppies was purchased close to a popular dog-walking area near the Welland Estate.
She added: "Whilst it seems these incidents all appear to be isolated, we would urge pet owners to be extra vigilant with their pets, and if they appear to be showing signs of sickness take them to a vet straight away.
"We would also urge dog owners to ensure that their pets are up to date with their inoculations."
The RSPCA says that without treatment about 80% of dogs with parvo virus will die. With treatment about 85% will survive.