FOUR more cases of the deadly dog disease Alabama Rot have been confirmed in the last week - taking the total of confirmed cases to over 100.

It comes as the first ever Alabama Rot conference was held last week 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.

“The conference was very positive, with everyone contributing greatly to the discussion, and we look forward to continuing to work with our fellow professionals to research this condition,” said David Walker, head of medicine at Anderson Moores.

“We’ve already started the process of setting up a steering committee, to help focus the enormous experience and knowledge from the 30 specialists who gave up their time for free to attend.

“The committee will be in regular contact to co-ordinate efforts and collate any new information to aid progress in research.

“Of course, the news of more confirmed cases just increases the need to focus on discovering why this condition occurs.”

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 102 dogs which have died from Alabama Rot since the first case was detected in the UK in 2012.

The cause of the disease, clinically known as CRGV is still unknown, but one of the discussion points at the conference was the importance of funding research in order to find answers.

To help collate accurate data about the disease, Anderson Moores and Vets4Pets are asking all vets in the UK and Ireland to contact them if they see a dog they suspect has Alabama Rot.

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, who also attended the conference, said: “Treatment is supportive, but is only successful in around 15 to 20 percent of cases, which is why we’re encouraging all dog owners to use the online interactive guide to help them understand the clinical signs and confirmed locations of the condition.”

For more information on Alabama Rot and to find out where cases have been confirmed go to vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot.