Dog dies in Kibworth after being struck down by the first confirmed case of Alabama Rot in Leicestershire

A pet dog has died in Kibworth after being struck down by the first confirmed case of a deadly canine disease in Leicestershire.

The heartbroken owner’s dog died in Kibworth in March after the pet was stricken by the illness Alabama Rot.

The dog died as it emerged that there have now been more cases in the UK already this year than in the whole of 2019.

Alabama Rot is also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy).

David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the devastating condition, said: “We are sad to announce more cases this year as we are now in the time of year when cases are most common.

“Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners.

“However, this disease is still very rare.

“So we are advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant.”

David, of Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, a leading referral centre for cats and dogs, urged owners: “Please seek advice from your local vet if your dog develops unexplained skin lesions.

“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 and a map of confirmed cases.”

He said the dog that died in Kibworth is one of five new cases confirmed in the country over the last few weeks.

Experts are still trying to pinpoint what causes the lethal disease.

But it’s suspected there could be a seasonal link as research carried out by Anderson Moores and the Royal Veterinary College shows that 95 per cent of confirmed cases have occurred between November and May.

And it does not seem that the killer disease can be passed from dog to dog.

The first sign of the illness that is normally seen is a skin sore or lesion 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 patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like”.

If owners spot these sores they should visit their local vet urgently but the disease is still very rare.

The UK has now seen 237 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot across 46 counties since 2012 with 33 cases so far in 2020.

The highest number have been in Greater Manchester, Dorset, Surrey, Devon and the New Forest in Hampshire.

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “While it is understandable that dog owners will be worried by Alabama Rot, it is still a very rare disease and we’d encourage owners to continue exercising their pet.

“If a dog becomes affected, the best chance of recovery lies with early and intensive veterinary care at a specialist facility such as Anderson Moores.”

He added: “Treatment is supportive.

“But it’s only successful in around 20 per cent of cases.

“That’s why we’re encouraging all dog owners to use the online interactive guide to help them understand the clinical signs and confirmed locations of the condition - and visit a vet if they have any concerns.”