TRAGIC Lassie looks forlornly at the camera, shortly before losing her brave battle against a killer canine virus which has now arrived in Times Territory.

The four-month-old pup is just one of an increasing number of victims of the deadly parvovirus, several cases of which have been reported by vets in WGC over the past few weeks.

The highly-infectious disease, which it is feared could reach epidemic proportions, has also been observed in a stray dog taken in by The Blue Cross animal rescue centre in Kimpton.

Centre manager Lynda Campbell warned Welwyn Hatfield Times readers that their pets could be at risk from the virus if they are not vaccinated or their annual boosters not kept up to date.

She said: “It is heartbreaking to see so many young pets fall victim to this killer disease that can so easily be prevented by a simple injection.”

The virus, which causes vomiting, diarrhoea and severe dehydration, can easily pass between unvaccinated dogs and is hardy enough to survive for months in the environment.

Ms Campbell added: “We know this virus is spread through faeces and we are asking all pet owners to be vigilant about picking up after their animals or risk a serious outbreak of the virus.”