DOGS Trust Evesham will partially re-open to the public tomorrow (Thursday) after a suspected infection in a canine caused it to close.

The rehoming centre in Wickhamford has been closed to the public from last Friday after a dog showed signs of a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure, known as distemper. 

The disease causes the dog to have a fever, lack of appetite and pneumonia similar to the human illness measles, although humans cannot catch the disease.

No other dogs are believed to have been infected.

A spokesman for the dogs trust said: "Dogs Trust Evesham will be partially open from 12-7pm tomorrow (19th April), though some areas will be temporarily closed to the public.

"Visitors are welcome to come and chat to our staff about adopting a dog and they will be able to advise on potential canine companions, however they won’t be able to meet any of our dogs for the time being.

"We also request visitors not to bring their own dogs to the centre. These temporary measures are in place as a precaution while we investigate a suspected case of infection in a single dog.

"The dogs on site are being closely monitored by our experienced team; at present there are no other suspected cases of infection and the dogs are generally well.

"Thank you to everyone for their patience. If anyone has any queries please call Dogs Trust Evesham on 0300 303 0292.”