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New cases of Alabama rot confirmed
While the cause is currently unknown, there have been reports from owners that their dogs had been walked in muddy woodlands, prior to contracting Alabama rot.
Total number of confirmed cases hits 112

Vets have confirmed new cases of Alabama rot this month, affecting dogs in Derbyshire and the West Midlands.

The latest incidents bring the total to 112 cases since the disease was first identified in the UK in 2012. This year alone, there have been nearly 30 cases, spanning numerous counties.

Willows Veterinary Group last week confirmed a fatal case in a dog from the Alsager area in Cheshire. Post-mortem results confirmed cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), also known as Alabama rot.

A second dog is reported to have died in Edgbaston, central Birmingham, having contracted the disease after walking in Cannock Chase. It is the first time the disease has been confirmed in Birmingham.

On 8 December, Hartshorne Veterinary Surgery in Derbyshire confirmed diagnosis of Alabama rot in dogs that had recently walked in Gorse Lane Fields near Boothorpe. Local media reported that two dogs died, while a third is seriously ill.

Alabama rot was first identified in the US in the 1980s, where it was only seen in greyhounds. However, UK cases have been seen in dogs of various breeds, ages and weights.

While the cause is currently unknown, there have been reports from owners that their dogs had been walked in muddy woodlands, prior to contracting the disease. It is also thought there may be a seasonal link, as more cases are reported in November to May.

It is thought that 70-80 per cent of dogs die from the illness when the kidneys are affected.

Although the cause of the disease is not known, dog owners are advised to wash any mud off their dog’s body following walks, and to seek urgent help from their vet if they suspect Alabama rot. Skin lesions, ulcers or sores are an early warning sign, followed by vomiting, lethargy and inappetence.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.