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Two more cases of Alabama Rot confirmed in UK
Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists has launched a website to provide pet owners with more information.
Anderson Moores has released a live map for dog owners. 

Two more cases of cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) have been confirmed in the UK by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists.

CRGV, also known as Alabama Rot, has a 90 per cent mortality rate, and the new cases take the total of confirmed cases in the UK from 1 January 2022 to five. 

David Walker, who is the UK's foremost authority on the disease, said: “We’re very sad to confirm two further cases of CRGV. Unfortunately, we find ourselves at 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 vets if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.” 

The new cases were discovered in Bristol and Kingsbridge, Devon, and take the total number of confirmed cases in the country up to 284, since the disease was first detected in the UK in the late 1980s.

Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists has launched a recent website dedicated to Alabama Rot, which provides pet owners with advice and information, along with a live map of confirmed cases, allowing dog owners to be vigilant. 

Commenting on the disease, David Walker said: “We have been at the forefront of research into CRGV for almost a decade and have witnessed first-hand the often-devastating effects of the disease. 

“Treatment largely revolves around management of the sudden onset kidney failure and, sadly, with our current understanding of the disease, is only successful in around 10 per cent of cases.

“In launching this new website, we aim to give both pet owners and colleagues across the industry as much information as possible about CRGV.”

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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.