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As concerns grow about a ‘mystery’ dog virus spreading across the UK, a Burgess Hill dog owner has shared his family’s story of how their pet cockapoo became ill with the symptoms.

Lee Rae-Byford, 50, who lives in the town with his wife and daughter, said he thinks his three-year-old dog Skye picked up the bug – which has gastroenteritis-like symptoms – after a trip to Lancing beach.

Lee, of The Cogfather Bike Repair, said his family took Skye to the coast while the tide was out at 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday (January 3).

“We just walked for about an hour, maybe less, just as it got dark,” he said.

Three-year-old cockapoo Skye from Burgess Hill who has made a full recovery. Picture: Lee Rae-Byford.

“Skye is a typical cockapoo, full of energy and was chasing her ball,” Lee added.

“We didn’t notice her eat anything or do anything unusual,” he said, explaining that she knows not to drink seawater.

Lee said Skye seemed happy at the beach, but while they were driving back to Burgess Hill on the A23

‘Mystery’ dog virus: Burgess Hill cockapoo falls ill with vomiting and weakness symptoms