CONCERN has been raised in the Lydford parish after dogs have died from what was believed to be Albama rot disease in the last few months.

Alabama rot is a disease which affects dogs by causing damage to the skin and kidney’s blood vessels. The cause of the disease is unknown but can prove fatal to canines.

At Lydford Parish Council’s meeting last Tuesday (March 10) a local man informed members of the public and council that sadly one of his dogs had died the previous week of Alabama rot. He encouraged the council to act and inform other dog owners in the area.

Another local resident Anthony Purnell, who was at the meeting, said in a letter to the Times: ‘I attended our parish council meeting where a distraught parishioner described how his pet dog had caught the disease and had died within a week of showing the first symptoms.

‘This was the third canine fatality that I had heard of in a fortnight within our local area.

‘Clearly this was a very distressing incident for the pet dog owner but there are many farmers in West Devon who also depend on their healthy working dogs for their livelihoods.

‘Experts in the field of veterinarian science must do more to help us understand the epidemiology of Alabama rot.’

In response, Lydford Parish Council said: ‘The parish council has become aware of the death of at least two local dogs believed to be as a result of Alabama rot. The parish council does not of course have any veterinary expertise and is therefore not in a position to offer advice on this issue. Nor do we understand that this disease is particularly prevalent in our own local area. However, dog owners may wish to adopt a precautionary approach and seek advice on where they might most safely exercise and care for their dogs and what symptoms to look out for.’

Vet Alexandra Shiels from Westmoor Vets in Tavistock said: ‘Cases of Alabama rot and suspected cases of Alabama rot are becoming more frequent in the South West, including Dartmoor and the surrounding towns.

‘There is no definite answer to what causes Alabama rot or its method of spread, so the most important things that owners can do to help ensure their own dog’s safety is to clean their dogs paws of any mud and dirt after any walk and inspect the pads, the areas between the pads, the claws, up the legs and groin area and the muzzle for any cuts or wounds.

‘If any are found, it is essential to clean wounds immediately with salt water and monitor for signs of progression or worsening in these areas.

‘Most of the wounds dogs will sustain while on a walk will not lead to cases of Alabama rot, cases we most worry about are worsening sores and non healing wounds, especially if the dog is unwell in themselves.

‘If your dog starts to show signs of sickness, inappetence, increased lethargy, an increase or a change in their drinking or urination pattern we would urge owners to contact their vet for advice or make an appointment.’