VETS are stepping up research into the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot, after confirming 15 cases so far this year.

The first Alabama Rot ‘conference’ was held yesterday with scientists from both human and animal medicine teaming up to discuss ways to learn more about a cause or cure.

It was organised by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, which are spearheading research on the disease.

In March the Echo reported that Cocker Spaniel Maggie had died from the disease after being walked in Bearwood, Canford Heath and Verwood forest area.

She is one of 98 dogs which have died from Alabama Rot since the first case was detected in the UK in 2012.

As well as Dorset, the most recent cases have been seen in Warwickshire, Monmouthshire, Devon, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Worcestershire.

“It is concerning that we are continuing to identify cases across the whole of the UK and now we have also confirmed the first cases in Ireland and Warwickshire,” David Walker, head of medicine at Anderson Moores, told the Echo before the meeting yesterday.

“The meeting will hopefully help us to forge important collaborations to drive forward research into this devastating disease. Amongst the subjects of discussion will be the search for additional funding to support more research to help understand the disease and ultimately how it could be treated and possibly prevented.”

Vets4Pets has been supporting the research work carried out by Anderson Moores and has an online search tool to help owners track the spread of the disease.

“The conference could be a key stepping stone to finding the cause of Alabama Rot and perhaps treatment, or even a cure,” said Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets.

To help collate accurate data about the disease, Anderson Moores is asking all vets in the UK and Ireland to contact them if they see a dog they suspect has CRGV, commonly known as Alabama Rot. Symptoms begin with skin lesions on the paws or legs and can lead to kidney failure.

Without urgent treatment, dogs develop a raging fever and can eventually die.

For more information go to vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot.