VETS have confirmed that 2017 was officially the UK’s worst year for incidents of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot, after the latest case was confirmed in the North-East.

The number of confirmed cases almost doubled compared to 2016. Eight new cases from December, and two in January, have just been confirmed by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, taking the total number of cases in 2017 to 37. One of the newest cases has been confirmed in Sacriston, County Durham. The affected dog had to be put down.

There have now been 122 cases in the UK since the disease was first detected in 2012.

David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from Anderson Moores, said: “We are sad to announce eight more cases from 2017, making it the worst year so far for cases of Alabama Rot. With two cases in 2018 already, it is understandably very worrying for dog owners, but we hope the increase in cases is partially due to a higher awareness and understanding of the disease.

“Although the figures have almost doubled since 2016, it is important that dog owners remain calm, but vigilant for signs of the disease, particularly over the coming months, as we are now in the peak season for cases.

“The first sign of the disease that is normally seen is a skin sore that isn’t caused by a known injury. Most commonly these sores are found on the lower half of the leg and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like.

“While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, any concerned dog owners should visit www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/ for advice.”

Following the first Alabama Rot conference in May 2017, the first stage of research was planned., with funding from the New Forest Dog Owners Group and the charity Stop Alabama Rot. Dr Kim Stevens of the Royal Veterinary College, who is carrying out the research, is hoping to have the results of her work published in March.

She said: “This research will not identify the specific cause of the disease, but is designed to look for geographical patterns, as well as environmental and climatic risk factors.”

The 122 cases of Alabama Rot, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), are spread across 32 counties in the UK. The highest number of confirmed cases have been in Greater Manchester, Dorset and the New Forest in Hampshire.

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “Dog owners who are worried that their pet might have Alabama Rot should contact their veterinary practice.”

“This will help build knowledge about the disease and also give a dog the best chance of survival.

“However, it’s encouraging to see so many people from different organisations and fields of science coming together to find out more about Alabama Rot, and hopefully find the cause.”

  • The new cases are in Sacriston, Guiseley (West Yorkshire), Bury and Bolton, Leek (Staffordshire), Petworth (West Sussex), Brighton, West Coker (Somerset), Bishop’s Tawton (Devon), and in Presteigne in Powys.