Dog owners in Somerset are being urged to take extra precautions when out walking their pets this spring and summer, to help prevent the spread of the deadly disease, Alabama Rot.

The mysterious illness, which first appeared in the late 1980s affecting greyhounds in America, has spread to at least 18 counties in England, with 46 cases confirmed since December 2013, including at least two in Somerset– an increase of 460 per cent compared to the period from November 2012 to November 2013.

The cause of Alabama Rot, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is still unknown and there is no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease.

The concern among vets in the UK is that unlike the Alabama Rot that affected greyhounds in America, the disease in the UK does not seem to target any specific breed, age, sex or weight of dog.

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

If a dog becomes infected the best outcome will come from early and intensive veterinary care, which has resulted in some dogs successfully recovering.”

Any dog owners who think their pet has Alabama Rot symptoms should contact their nearest vet immediately.

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

To find out where in the UK cases of Alabama Rot have been recorded follow this link www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/.