Walkers warned

Dog walkers in north Somerset are being asked to clear up after their pets over fears a parasite found in dog faeces is causing cattle to miscarry.

One cow tested positive for neospora caninum and results are being awaited on two other animals which have also suffered miscarriages. A council spokesman said the vet who tested the affected cow believed that dogs were the parasite's host. People not clearing up after their dogs risked a £75 fixed penalty, he added.