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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th May 2017
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Vets hold first Alabama rot conference
Jasmine Smith's dog contracted Alabama rot shortly after walking in the Forest of Dean.
Disease fatal in 9 out of 10 dogs

Vets and veterinary nurses are gathering in Reading today (10 May) for the first-ever conference on Alabama rot.

Organised by David Walker of Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, the conference will discuss the disease, which has killed more than 90 dogs since December 2012.

The most recent case was reported by a woman from Gloucester, whose dog Boe contracted Alabama rot after walking in the Forest of Dean.

Commenting on her Facebook page (5 May), Jasmine Smith said: “My dog is currently being treated for Alabama rot which has caused acute kidney failure and is very poorly.

“We walk our princess up the woods in drybrook - please take care and be aware that Alabama rot is in the Forest of Dean!!

“It's unlikely to catch it but my dog has and it could be your dog - please go careful and share this post so all dog walkers are aware of this disease!!!”

On Wednesday, a woman from Monmouthshire warned owners about Alabama rot following the death of her dog Fleur. Gabrielle Williams told BBC Breakfast that it was “devastating” to see her dog’s health decline so rapidly.

“From the first symptom which was her being sick to her being put to sleep was a week," she said. "She was sick one morning. I didn't think much of it... the day after she had an intermittent limp... it did proceed to get worse and then a lesion appeared.

"I took her to the vet and she deteriorated very quickly from then on."

Relatively new to the UK, Alabama rot is fatal in 9 out of 10 cases. It is caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney, leading to ulceration. In some cases, dogs go on to develop life-threading kidney failure.

The cause of the disease is not yet known, so a vaccine cannot be developed. Owners are urged to see a vet without delay if their dog starts to lick skin lesions or sores not caused by a known injury.

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New roadshow brings free flea and tick checks to dog owners

News Story 1
 A nationwide roadshow offering free, personalised parasite risk assessments and flea and tick checks will be visiting popular dog events across the UK.

The All About Dogs shows in Norfolk and Knebworth, will be among the first events to host MSD Animal Health's Big Parasite Check campaign, which aims to address common misconceptions and highlight the importance of year-round parasite protection.

A total of six dog-friendly events will feature the free clinics from summer through to winter. Full roadshow dates and locations are available on The Big Parasite Check map or through your local MSD Animal Health Representative.  

Click here for more...
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BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'