Irish dog owners have been warned that a disease known as Alabama Rot may spread to Ireland after at least 20 cases have been confirmed in the UK.
Alabama Rot, also known as Idiopathic cutaneous or renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) can result in painful lesions on the dog’s skin that eventually develops into kidney and liver failure.
The disease has a fatality rate of 90 and originated 30 years ago in America. There, the disease seemed to only effect grey hounds but several different breeds have been affected so far in the UK.
Owners are being warned to clean their pets with plenty of water after walking through mucky areas in a bid to reduce the chance of infection.
Anyone who suspects that their dog is unwell is advised to contact their vet immediately.
