The Bermuda Veterinary Association (BVA) is very concerned by local dogs contracting a deadly pet disease which can ? albeit rarely ? pass on to humans. Five local dogs have been diagnosed in the past three weeks by the killer canine heartworm disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes.

?It has never been thought to be transmitted on the Island, however, circumstances lead us to believe that all of the recently reported cases were contracted in Bermuda,? the BVA said in a release. ?This is very concerning as the disease can cause serious illness and even death in affected dogs.?

It also revealed the unprecedented infection rate has increased alongside the presence of ?more aggressive? mosquitoes and an overall increase in mosquito populations according to the Health Department.

?Eliminating mosquitoes would contribute greatly to the limiting the transmission of heartworm disease,? the local vet association said.

There are certain signals to tell if a dog has contracted heartworm, Bermuda?s vets said, including coughing, listlessness, losing weight and having difficulty breathing.

?In some cases the dog may die suddenly with few signs of sickness,? it said. ?Our member hospitals have tested over 300 dogs, but a much larger number of animals will need to be tested before anyone can speak confidently about the local prevalence of the disease.?

If the dog is tested and no adult worms are found, dogs should be placed on monthly preventive medication for at least six months, it said.

Shorthaired dogs that spend a lot of time outside in mosquito prone areas are at greatest risk, it said. It said cats can also be infected, however, dogs are at greater risk.

?There is no need to panic at present, but we feel that in order to protect your family?s pets we should be cautious at this stage.?