Rare seasonal canine illness at Sandringham leaves visitors anxious about bringing pets

King Charles’ Sandringham estate in Norfolk has warned visitors about cases of a rare dog illness, causing concern among pet owners. The 20,000-acre estate, a popular destination for dog walkers, has previously seen occurrences of Seasonal Canine Illness, or SCI, and this autumn the team issued a public advisory.

In October, the Sandringham team used Facebook to inform the public, explaining that autumn is the season when SCI has historically appeared. The post noted that the condition is rare and has dramatically declined since 2010. Its cause remains unknown, and there is no cure. The symptoms of SCI include vomiting, diarrhoea and tiredness within 72 hours of being in a woodland area. The post also clarified that these signs could have other common causes and advised dog owners to contact a vet if they suspected SCI.

The advisory has triggered a wave of concern among visitors. Many users commented on the estate’s social media posts, warning friends to stay away for a while. One user wrote, “We’d best stay away for a while,” reflecting the nervous mood among dog walkers. Others tagged friends to ensure they were aware of the potential risk before visiting with pets.

The estate recently promoted its light trail event, Luminate and encouraged attendees to bring dogs along. However, this invitation sparked questions and apprehension in the comments section. Visitors asked whether the trail was safe given the previous warning about the seasonal illness. The Sandringham team responded, advising people to email for the most recent updates before attending.

Sandringham’s website provides ongoing information about the illness and reiterates that SCI is very rare. The guidance emphasises contacting a vet immediately if a dog shows symptoms, underlining that while the illness is serious, it remains uncommon.

Local dog walkers expressed mixed feelings about returning to the estate. Some said they would postpone visits until the risk had further reduced, while others hoped the advisory would help ensure safer conditions for pets. The estate remains a popular destination for families and walkers due to its extensive grounds and public trails, but the news of a rare illness has cast a shadow over the season.

Veterinary experts have noted that while SCI is extremely uncommon, awareness and early detection are important. The advice to seek veterinary attention promptly aligns with best practices for dealing with any sudden illness in animals. Sandringham’s proactive approach aims to keep the public informed and reduce the potential spread of the illness among visiting dogs.

Despite the scare, the estate continues to welcome visitors and has maintained all scheduled events, including the Luminate trail. The team has highlighted that most dogs visiting the estate will remain unaffected, reinforcing that the illness is not widespread.

Visitors planning to attend are encouraged to check the latest updates on Sandringham’s official website and follow guidance for keeping pets safe. The estate’s communication emphasises that SCI is rare, but it also underlines the importance of caution when bringing dogs into woodland areas, particularly during the autumn season.

Sandringham has a long history of being open to the public and offering recreational access to its extensive grounds. This advisory reflects the estate’s responsibility to both visitors and their pets, balancing enjoyment of the estate with precautionary measures in light of the reported cases.

The announcement has prompted wider discussions on social media about pet safety and rare illnesses affecting animals, drawing attention to the need for vigilance when visiting natural areas with pets. Sandringham’s timely warning ensures visitors can make informed decisions while continuing to enjoy the estate responsibly.