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Alabama Rot cases continue to rise

The deadly disease Alabama Rot has claimed the lives of
three more dogs, taking the total of confirmed cases to
112 since it was first detected in the UK in 2012. The new
cases, in Cannock (Staffordshire), Alsager (Cheshire) and
Edgbaston (West Midlands), have been confirmed following
tests by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists.

It’s been only two weeks since six other cases were
confirmed, adding support to the theory from vets and
researchers that seasonality may be a factor in the spread
of the mysterious condition – most cases occur from
November to April.

David Walker, a leading expert on the condition, from
Anderson Moores, said: “Although we are working hard
to find out the cause of Alabama Rot, it is currently still
unknown, which makes the reappearance of the disease
concerning. It’s always desperately sad when we con rm
new cases; however, it’s important that dog owners remain
calm, but vigilant, particularly during the next few months.”

These are the second set of new cases of the disease since the first ever Alabama Rot conference in May 2017,
where specialists from across the UK gathered to discuss
ongoing research and set up a steering committee to share
and collate any new findings. Following the conference, the first stage of research was planned, with funding from
the New Forest Dog Owners Group and the charity Stop
Alabama Rot. This work is nearing completion.

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: “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.

“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.”

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