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Two deaths from CRGV confirmed this year
Symptoms include skin leisons below the knee or elbow.
Dog owners are advised to look out for symptoms.

Two fatal cases of cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), also known as Alabama rot, have been confirmed so far this year in the UK.

In January, a three-year-old Labrador died after catching CRGV. The following month, a six-year-old Hungarian vizsla also died from the disease, which has a 90 per cent mortality rate. Both dogs lived in Berkshire.

A third case, confirmed in Hampshire, did not prove fatal.

The cases were confirmed by researchers at Anderson Moores, who are leading research into the rare disease which was initially detected in the UK in 2012. Although it first appeared to be localised to the area around the New Forest, it has since spread to other regions.

The majority of cases are reported during the winter and spring. In 2022, a total of 11 cases were recorded across the country.

Sabina Richardson, owner of the Hungarian vizsla, whose name was Marnie, has spoken out to raise awareness of the symptoms of CRGV. She told The Mirror: "Marnie's first symptoms were sores on her paws which then began to spread onto her legs. She also stopped eating and started to vomit. We took her to local vets who gave her antibiotics but she couldn't keep the tablets down and continued to deteriorate.

"By this point, we were very concerned and visited another vets, who said they feared it was Alabama Rot. They gave Marnie an injection of antibiotics and took blood tests which confirmed her kidneys were failing.

"That was such a shock and it was really tough when we finally had to make the heart-breaking decision to put her to sleep.”

Josh Walker, who co-leads CRGV research at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, said: “We’re advising dog owners across the country to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.