A CASE of a deadly dog disease has been confirmed in a local town.

Veterinary specialist referral centre, Anderson Moores, revealed there are nine new cases of "Alabama Rot".

One of these was found in Otley.

It brings the total number of cases so far this year to 12.

Alabama Rot is also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy).

It is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney.

Tiny blood clots form in the blood vessels which blocks them and can lead to damage of the affected tissue.

This can cause ulceration in the skin, but it is much more deadly for the kidney.

The blocked blood vessels can ultimately lead to severe organ dysfunction (kidney failure).

The cause of Alabama Rot is currently unknown and so it is difficult to provide advice for preventing it.

But, it is still a rare disease, according to the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from Anderson Moores, David Walker.

He said: "We are sad to announce more cases from this year, as we are now in the time of year when cases are most common.

"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."

There have been 216 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot, across 44 different counties, since 2012.

The worst year on record was 2018, when just under a quarter of the total cases were confirmed (52).

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: "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 per cent 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."

For advice and a map of confirmed cases visit: vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot