An urgent warning has been issued for dog walkers after cases of a "flesh eating" disease have been confirmed in Britain.
The Alabama Rot can cause flesh to rot as it blocks blood vessels in dog's skin and kidneys.
The rare but fatal condition has recently been reported in the Dorchester area of Dorset near the rural housing estate of Poundbury.
Cases of the disease - also known as CRGV - have been spreading across Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Northern England.
An urgent warning has been issued for dog walkers after cases of a 'flesh eating' disease have been confirmed in Britain
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One veterinary practice in Dorchester came across their first case at the end of March and saw one pet pass away.
"We have had two cases in the last few weeks. It’s really horrible to have our first case," Alice Moore from Castle Vets told the Dorset Echo.
"It seems to be affecting outdoor dogs and those dogs that have walked in woodlands – they are assuming it is some toxin they are picking up on their foot.
"We are advising people to wash the dogs legs off when they come back in case it is something they are coming back with."
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The illness typically affects Labradors, spaniels and vizslas however experts warn that it can be a risk for all breeds.
Symptoms can start out as skin sores commonly found below the elbow or knee and also on paws.
Owners are also being urged to look out for red skin and a defect like an ulcer in the skin.
The condition can cause fatal kidney failure within ten days from the first symptoms.
The condition appears to affecr outdoor dogs and those dogs that have walked in woodlands
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Moore added that despite there being no known cure, dog owners should not worry.
She said: "Because it’s a new disease and is emerging, and we are doing research, it is hard to recommend prevention – we still don’t know what causes.
"In practice it is very hard to treat and it is why it frightens people. But people should not panic."
