Family’s £7k vet bill after dog picks up rat’s disease
A FAMILY face a £7,000 vet bill after their dog nearly died from a deadly infection spread by rats they claim are running wild on their estate.
Jessica Abraham, from Arborfield, was horrified when her beloved Labrador, Vixen, collapsed after vomiting and becoming disorientated.
The two-year-old dog was rushed to a vet hospital in Winchester where it spent 10 days being treated for kidney and liver failure.
Jessica and her husband, Charles, were shocked to hear Vixen had contracted leptospirosis and their family pet could have picked up the deadly infection on its daily walk yards from their home.
Now the couple, who have four children, are concerned a child or another pet, could die after contracting the disease.
Jessica Abraham said that they regularly walk their dog Vixen through Arborfield and suspect that it is where their beloved pet picked up the potentially deadly infection.
Vixen is pictured right at the vets receiving treatment.
“Leptospirosis is spread by rats urine and rats are a major problem in Arborfield,” said an angry Jessica.
“We regularly walk Vixen along Princess Marina Drive near the sports fields where there are water-filled ditches. We can’t prove that is where she caught the infection but as its her regular walk, it seems quite likely.
“There’s also a lot of housebuilding by Crest Nicholson in Arborfield and again we can’t say they are responsible. However, many people have told us they have problems with rats in their gardens and even in the walls and attics of their homes.
“They suspect it’s because of all the digging work going on which disturbs the rats, bringing them out into the open.
“People tell me they see rats during the daytime, along Princess Marina Drive and elsewhere.”
Jessica and Charles have accused Wokingham Borough Council and housebuilders Crest Nicholson of “not taking the problem seriously”.
She added: “Vixen survived because she got the right treatment quickly and she is young and healthy, even though it was touch and go. But a child or older person might not be so fortunate if they caught leptospirosis which can be deadly.
“An older pet may also be susceptible or its owners might not be able to afford the cost of treatment.
“I have contacted the council but they just say it is up to individual residents to treat a rat problem. As for Crest Nicholson, they have never responded to any of my letters or phone calls.”
Jessica called for the water in the ditches in Princess Marina Drive to be tested for the deadly bug.
“It’s horrifying to think a person or their pet could die or suffer lifelong illness just for taking a walk,” she added.
“What really angers me is no one seems to be taking this matter seriously. Do we have to wait until a human or dog dies or is seriously ill before action is taken?”
A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson said that they have been actively tackling the issue on the site
They said: “We are aware that there is an issue with vermin at a couple of locations at Arborfield Green, which has been caused by the climate, season and a number of environmental factors.
“We are working to resolve this as soon as possible and are taking immediate action to address this by closing the site canteen and ensuring all bins on site are covered at all times.”
Cllr Iain McCracken, Chairman of the Joint Public Protection Committee, said: “If you are experiencing rodent problems, and have not done so already, please contact a suitable and competent pest control company to provide treatment as necessary. The British Pest Control Association have a list of controllers who should be signed up to best practice guidelines designed to restrict any potential effects to wildlife.
“I would recommend that people request a number of quotes to enable them to compare. Unfortunately the PPP cannot make any recommendations. If you are aware that your neighbours are using contractors, you may wish to speak with them as you may be able to
negotiate a better rate collectively and co-ordinate treatment to be more effective.”
He added: “To assist the PPP in monitoring community issues such as this, and to provide guidance in pest control, we have set up an online reporting system.
“If you see rats in your premises or nearby, please do use this tool as it does provide a means of capturing the issues in your area.
“Where rats are not being managed the PPP has powers to require action against the landowner to control rats (and mice) under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.”