Warning issued to dog owners after cases of killer disease in Hampshire

Flesh-eating disease Alabama Rot has hit UK soil – a disease that is contracted by mud.

Dog owners are being instructed to wash all mud off their dogs as soon as they return home from walks, and to keep an eye out for any sores or lesions – the first signs of the disease.

Alabama Rot affects all dog breeds and can cause a fatal kidney failure, with many cases leading to death within a week.

Although no cases have yet been reported in the Portsmouth area, there have been incidents in the South Downs and New Forest.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: ‘If a dog becomes affected the best outcome will probably come from early and intensive veterinary care, which has resulted in some dogs successfully recovering.

‘Any dog owners who are worried that their pet might have Alabama Rot should contact their veterinary practice immediately.’

The cause of the disease, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) is still unknown.