Alabama Rot warning: INCURABLE virus killing one DOG a week in UK as illness spreads

ALABAMA Rot is a mysterious ‘flesh eating’ disease that has killed a clutch of beloved dogs so far this year due to kidney failure. But experts are still unclear on what causes the virus – and how they can prevent or treat it.

Signs to look out for fatal Alabama Rot disease

The vicious virus is becoming increasingly rife among dogs in the UK. The virus causes damage to the blood vessels of the skin and kidneys. Canines infected with the disease suffer from skin ulcers, kidney failure and even death.

But the virus is often undetectable until it is too late.

Vets have no way of testing for the illness while a dog is alive – with confirmation of the illness only confirmed during post-mortem examinations.

Last year the disease killed 52 dogs.

But two cases have been confirmed in Cornwall and Greater Manchester during the first weeks of January 2019.

Alabama Rot warning; The disease can kill dogs and vets currently have no cure for the virus

Alabama Rot warning; The disease can kill dogs and vets currently have no cure for the virus (Image: GETTY)

Since the very first case of Alabama Rot was reported in the UK in 2012 there have been 177 fatalities so far.

The disease seems to affect dogs which have been walked in muddy, woodland areas. Alabama Rot requires urgent treatment.

But experts have warned how the killer disease is causing a wider threat to dogs in the UK – and why they cannot stop the vicious illness from spreading.

Farmer Gabrielle Williams from Magor, Monmouthshire, told of her heartache when her whippet Fleur – part of a family if five dogs who waked together every day, died as a result of complications from the disease.

Alabama Rot warning: An early sign of the virus is sores on a dog's paws

Alabama Rot warning: An early sign of the virus is sores on a dog's paws (Image: Team Edward Labrador rescue)

The famer said trouble started in March 2017, when five-year-old Fleur lost her appetite.

The next day, Mrs Williams found a small sore on her foot the next day – presuming it was an injury from walking.

She said: “I took her to the local vet who put her on painkillers and antibiotics.

“But the next morning I noticed sores in her mouth so took her back to the vet for blood tests.”

The next day her vet rang and told the panicking owner: “They told me they suspected Alabama Rot. I just went cold.

“It had come up when I was looking at Fleur’s symptoms online and I knew the outcome often wasn’t good.

Fleur’s was transferred to Anderson Moore pet hospital the next day, where her condition deteriorated drastically.

Mrs Williams then took the decision to out Fleur to sleep due to her increasing pain and discomfort.

Alabama Rot warning: This Labrador displays early signs of illness with sores around his snout

Alabama Rot warning: This Labrador displays early signs of illness with sores around his snout (Image: GETTY)

She said: “It was absolutely devastating. And I was very worried that my other four dogs would do down with it. I was so vigilant – for months afterwards, fi they even got a little nick, I’d panic.

“I have no idea why they didn’t all get it. They all eat the same food, walk the same routes.”

The full scientific name of the disease is cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV).

Alabama Rot warning: A map showing UK hotspots for outbreaks of the deadly disease

Alabama Rot warning: A map showing UK hotspots for outbreaks of the deadly disease (Image: EXPRESS)

The cause of the disease remains unknown - although there are some reports in the US speculating the disease is linked to the bacteria E.coli.

The illness first appeared among Greyhounds in the US state of Alabama in the eighties.

Since then, deaths from the fatal virus have increased on the south coast of England and the north west.

Alabama Rot UK: Owners are advised to regularly check their dogs for ulcer sores

Alabama Rot UK: Owners are advised to regularly check their dogs for ulcer sores (Image: Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists))

Al;abam Rot warnonign: Paris the Shih Tzu had to be put to sleep

Alabama Rot warning: Paris the Shih Tzu had to be put to sleep (Image: PA)

David Walker, a UK expert on the illness, suggested that most cases are diagnosed during winter.

Mr Walker said: “A distinct seasonal pattern is suggested, with the vast majority of cases occurring between November and March, and a limited number of cases over the summer months.

“Just 6.5 percent of cases have been confirmed from June to October.”

Veterinary experts advise owners to wash their pets in case it can be transferred through dirty skin – while anyone who suspects their best friend has contracted Alabama Rot to seek urgent help immediately.

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