BIRMINGHAM City Council has moved to quell fears about deadly dog disease Alabama Rot following rumours that there had been cases at Lickey Hills Country Park.
Derek Millward, from Rubery who walks his pet up the Lickey Hills, said he wanted to make sure fellow dog owners were aware of the disease.
He said: “A lot of dog owners I have spoken to do not know about it and it is important that they are aware of it.”
He advised dogs should not be encouraged to go into woodland or go through muddy water and that any owners who spot sores on their pets’ paws should get them to a vets as soon as possible.
Alabama Rot, which first appeared in the late 1980s affecting greyhounds in America, has now been found in 29 counties across the UK since 2012.
The cause of the disease, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) is still unknown. and while there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, there is a useful guide available online to help people understand where in the UK confirmed cases have been found and advice on how to spot signs.
The disease leads to kidney failure and ultimately death and is currently incurable.
However a spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: “We understand dog owners will be concerned for their dogs’ safety following reports of ‘Alabama rot’ (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy / CRGV) in Cannock Chase – please be advised there are currently no confirmed cases at Lickey Hills Country Park.
“Signs have been put up to show visitors where they can wash their dogs’ feet, which is current best practice advice from vets. A hose pipe is available on request at the Visitor Centre for dog owners / walkers to do so.”
Visit www.andersonmoores.com/owner/CRGV.php for more information on Alabama Rot.
