A NEW case of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot has been confirmed in Horwich.

Earlier this year, cases were confirmed in Lostock and Atherton.

Last year, there were also cases in Westhoughton and Little Lever.

In total, the UK has now seen 186 confirmed cases across 38 counties since 2012, with 52 cases in 2018 and 11 in 2019.

The disease, also known as CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy), is still very rare, so vets are advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.

David Walker, from Anderson Moores said: “Of course dog owners, particularly those in the areas with higher numbers of cases, may be nervous about Alabama Rot, but it’s still an extremely rare disease and we’d encourage owners to continue exercising their pet as normal.

“We’ve seen cases of dogs walked with other dogs, in the same place every day, developing the disease, while the other dogs remained completely unaffected.

“Any dog owners who are worried that their pet might have Alabama Rot should contact their vet immediately."

Any concerned owners can find advice and a map of confirmed case in the UK at www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot.