A NEW case of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot has been confirmed in West Yorkshire, the fifth case since 2014.

Four new cases have recently been confirmed in total across the UK, with the nearest to Bradford being a case in Huddersfield. The others are in Cornwall, Derbyshire and Lancashire.

In total, the UK has now seen 181 confirmed cases across 38 counties since 2012, with 52 cases in 2018 and six so far in 2019.

PREVIOUS STORY: Deadly disease killed dog in Guiseley

This disease 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.

Vets have also taken a further step into understanding the deadly dog disease, but have warned that identifying the exact cause and potentially finding a cure, will take more time.

The research, undertaken by the Royal Veterinary College and Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, revealed almost 95 per cent of confirmed cases of Alabama Rot, have occurred between November and May.

Clinically known as CRGV (Cutaneous Renal and Glomerular Vasculopathy), most of the confirmed cases have been in western and southern parts of England.

However, vets have stressed that cases of Alabama Rot in the UK are still extremely rare and further research is required to establish more details on how dogs develop the disease.

The first sign of the disease is a skin sore or lesion, usually found on the lower half of the leg and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like.

Concerned dog owners can find advice at vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot.