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2017 ‘worst year’ for Alabama rot, vets confirm
Owners are urged to seek advice from a vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions or sores.
Anderson Moores issues update on fatal disease 

Vets have confirmed that 2017 was officially the UK’s worst year for cases of Alabama rot after the number of confirmed cases almost doubled compared to 2016.

Veterinary specialists Anderson Moores said that eight new cases from December have just been confirmed, bringing the total number of cases in 2017 to 37. There have now been 143 cases in the UK since the disease was first identified in 2012, with 15 in January and seven in February so far in 2018.

“We are sad to announce eight more cases from 2017, making it the worst year so far for cases of Alabama Rot,” said David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition. "It is understandably very worrying for dog owners, but we hope the increase in cases is partially due to a higher awareness and understanding of the disease.
 
“Although the figures have almost doubled since 2016, it is important that dog owners remain calm, but vigilant for signs of the disease, particularly over the coming months, as we are now in the peak season for cases of the disease.”

Alabama rot, clinically known cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy,  can cause skin lesions and often results in fatal kidney failure. Currently, there is no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, although owners are urged to seek advice from a vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions or sores.

Dr Kim Stevens of the RVC is currently leading research into the disease, with funding from the New Forest Dog Owners Group and the charity Stop Alabama Rot. She is hoping to publish the results of her work later this year.

“This research will not identify the specific cause of the disease, but is designed to look for geographical patterns, as well as environmental and climatic risk factors,” Dr Stevens said. “An obvious pattern that we can see is linked to seasons, with the vast majority of cases occurring between November and March, and limited cases over the summer.
 
“We hope our ongoing research with Anderson Moores and the work that Vets4Pets are doing will take us closer to finding the cause of this nasty disease.”

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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.