Silent Killer: Dog Waste Disease Threatens Belfast Hill Cattle
Conservationists in Belfast are sounding the alarm over Neospora, a disease transmitted through dog feces that poses a serious risk to cattle grazing on the hills. This infection can lead to miscarriages in pregnant cows and impair their ability to breed, impacting local farmers and biodiversity management. Experts are urging dog owners to act responsibly by bagging and disposing of their pets’ waste to protect both livestock and the environment. The Belfast hills, frequented by dog walkers, rely on cattle for vegetation management, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and accountability among pet owners.