Neospora: Dog poo disease warning in Belfast hills

“People think when they go up into the hills that it doesn’t matter, the dogs can just go anywhere and nature will take care of it,” Dr Pinkerton said.

“Unfortunately it carries disease.

“For the farmers trying to make a living off the hills, it is devastating.”

Andrew McCammond’s 200 suckler cows are among the herds that graze across the Belfast hills.

The cattle help manage vegetation to support a healthy biodiversity.

“They say Divis Mountain and the hills surrounding it are in good environmental condition,” said Mr McCammond.

“If it wasn’t grazed and managed with cows, there would be a lot more forage and then once in a while, there would be a massive fire which would have a detrimental effect and do away with this beautiful area.”