Oslo, Sep 8 (IANS): A mystery illness has killed several dogs in Norway over the past few days. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) said up to 40 dogs had fallen ill and several died later, the BBC reported on Sunday.

After initial cases in the capital Oslo, it has been reported from at least 13 other towns. The Veterinary Institute said it was unclear if two suspect bacteria types, found in autopsies, were the cause.

According to broadcaster NRK, 25 dogs have died due to the condition. However, this has not been confirmed by the NFSA.

A dog in neighbouring Sweden has also been admitted to a hospital after appearing at a show in the Norwegian city of Trondheim, according to a Swedish newspaper.

The Norwegian Veterinary Institute said its pathologists found that three dogs showed signs of a bloody gut, and that it had ruled out common causes, like salmonella and rat poison.

According to NFSA spokesman Ole-Herman Tronerud, the illness seemed "very serious for a dog. But we don't know yet whether this is contagious or just a series of individual cases".

The agency has advised dog owners to keep their pets leashed to avoid contact with other canines.

--IANS

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