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A seasonal canine illness seems to be affecting dogs in certain parts of England.

The disease which was first noted in the autumn of 2009, has affected 19 dogs in Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire in the past two years, and 12 died. More fell ill in 2010, which prompted the Animal Health Trust to carry out its research into this illness, the most common symptoms being sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy.

The research has proved that man-made poisons are not the cause. "We believe that the problem is a natural one. What we want to do is to work with the AHT to get a solid idea of the scale of the problem and understand the circumstances of each case," says, Jo Atkinson of the Forestry Commission.

An online questionnaire has been set up for pet owners to help in the study.