First 2022 Alabama Rot deaths confirmed
The latest cases bring the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 281.
Vets at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists have confirmed the first two Alabama rot cases of 2022.
In a press release, the referral centre said the cases were identified in Ashtead, Surrey, and Wokingham, Berkshire, in January.
Anderson Moores has been leading research into the deadly disease, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), since 2012 - and is gathering data on all cases and reports across the UK.
The team recently launched a website offering pet owners advice and information about the disease, including a live map of confirmed cases across the UK.
Vet David Walker, who leads the team at Anderson Moores and is the UK’s foremost authority on the disease, said: “We’re very sad to confirm two new cases of CRGV already in 2022. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in the time of year when cases are most commonly identified.
“It is understandably worrying for dog owners; however, I must stress that this disease is still very rare. We’re advising dog owners across the country to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their local vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.”
Alabama rot first appeared in the US in the late 1980s and was first detected in the UK in 2012. It affects the kidneys and has a 90 per cent mortality rate.
The two new cases follow 28 throughout 2021 and 47 in 2020 and take the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 281.
Mr Walker added: “In launching this new website, we aim to give pet owners as much information as possible about CRGV.
“We hope the confirmed case map will also prove useful. Although an environmental trigger has not been definitively proven, the seasonality of the disease makes it eminently possible and the map allows everyone to see the location of confirmed cases.”
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
