Five new cases of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot have been confirmed, one of which was in Wallingford.

The cases have been confirmed today by veterinary specialist referral centre, Anderson Moores.

It brings the total number of cases this year to 23. As well as Wallingford, the latest confirmed cases are located in Horsham (West Sussex), Malmesbury (Wiltshire) and two in Hungerford (Berkshire).

Alabama Rot is a disease that damages a dog's blood vessels in the skin and kidney.

This causes ulcers on the skin and kidney failure.

In total, the UK has now seen 198 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot across 40 counties, since 2012.

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David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from Anderson Moores, said: "We are sad to announce more cases from 2019, 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’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their 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."

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

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Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, has been supporting research on the condition for a number of years, and is advising dog owners to contact their vet if they have any concerns

He 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.

"Treatment is supportive, but is only successful in around 20% of cases, which is 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."