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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th January 2022
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First 2022 Alabama Rot deaths confirmed
The latest cases bring the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 281.
Two cases of the deadly disease have been identified in Surrey and Berkshire.

Vets at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists have confirmed the first two Alabama rot cases of 2022.

In a press release, the referral centre said the cases were identified in Ashtead, Surrey, and Wokingham, Berkshire, in January.

Anderson Moores has been leading research into the deadly disease, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), since 2012 - and is gathering data on all cases and reports across the UK. 

The team recently launched a website offering pet owners advice and information about the disease, including a live map of confirmed cases across the UK. 

Vet David Walker, who leads the team at Anderson Moores and is the UK’s foremost authority on the disease, said: “We’re very sad to confirm two new cases of CRGV already in 2022. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in the time of year when cases are most commonly identified. 

“It is understandably worrying for dog owners; however, I must stress that this disease is still very rare. We’re advising dog owners across the country to remain calm but vigilant and seek advice from their local vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.” 

Alabama rot first appeared in the US in the late 1980s and was first detected in the UK in 2012. It affects the kidneys and has a 90 per cent mortality rate. 

The two new cases follow 28 throughout 2021 and 47 in 2020 and take the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 281. 

Mr Walker added: “In launching this new website, we aim to give pet owners as much information as possible about CRGV.

“We hope the confirmed case map will also prove useful. Although an environmental trigger has not been definitively proven, the seasonality of the disease makes it eminently possible and the map allows everyone to see the location of confirmed cases.” 

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."