Dog owners are urged to beware after a new case of Alabama Rot was diagnosed in Oxfordshire. 

Two new UK cases of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot, also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), have been confirmed today by veterinary specialist referral centre Anderson Moores.

It brings the total number of cases so far this year to 41.

The latest confirmed cases are located in Newcastle upon Tyne and Bloxham near Banbury. This is the sixth case in Oxfordshire since 2018.

In March, we reported on a new case in Carterton. 

In December 2019, a case was diagnosed in Wallingford.

In total, the UK has now seen 245 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot across 47 counties, since 2012.

David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from Anderson Moores, said: “We are sad to announce more cases of CRGV from this year.

“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.

Oxford Mail: ROT: Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy, known as ‘Alabama rot’, begins with the appearance of ulcers on the dog's skin

“While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, any concerned dog owners should visit 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, Surrey, Devon and the New Forest in Hampshire. 

I'm a dog owner, what should I do?

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, 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.

“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. 

“Treatment is supportive, but is only successful in around 20 percent 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.”

READ AGAIN: How to protect your dog from Alabama Rot