Dog dies after catching killer Alabama rot in Herefordshire

It is the second time this year that a case of Alabama rot, which kills 90 per cent of dogs who catch it, has been found in the county.

Alabama rot causes dogs sore skin, including ulcers, and within days leads to kidney failure.

Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, said that a local vet confirmed on Monday that a dog had died from the disease after walking in the Deer Park.

"We have been informed that there are no other cases pending, so it seems this was an isolated incident," the castle said in a statement.

"Alabama Rot is an extremely rare disease with only 271 cases reported in the whole of the UK since 2012.

"It is not known how the disease is contracted but it may be linked to mud.

"It is thought that washing your dog off after a muddy walk may help, as may sticking to the park roads and avoiding wet areas."

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Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, based in Winchester, has been leading research into what it calls a "devastating disease", gathering information on all cases and reports of confirmed cases across the country.

It said the disease was first found in the UK in 2012, and has a 90 per cent death rate.

An interactive map on the Vets4Pets website shows where cases were found up to early 2021, with fields behind the crematorium in Hereford on area highlighted.

The most recent case shown on the map was in Dorstone, in the Golden Valley, in January 2021.

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Other areas on the map include Radnor Forest and Nash Woods in Presteigne, and Glasbury near Hay-on-Wye.

An expert in the disease from Anderson Moores said in January that pet owners need to be calm but vigilant.

Alabama rot specialist David Walker said: "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."