A fun day for dogs and their owners at Felixstowe has been cancelled after an outbreak of an infectious illness.

Organisers of the Landguard Dogs Day, due to have taken place today, said they had no option but to call off the displays and stalls, fun dog show and other activities.

Landguard events co-ordinator Stephen Rampley said: “We have received a report from a vet in the town that dog has been treated for parvovirus.

“It is highly infectious between dogs that have not been vaccinated and we did not want to be responsible for spreading it.

“It’s a real shame. We will be putting notices up to explain to people who may arrive what has happened and why the event has been cancelled.”

The virus has two different forms – the most common attacks the intestines with sickness, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite, while the rare form can cause dogs to have a heart attack.

The majority of cases take place in young pupies.