DOG owners are being urged to be vigilant after the deadly disease Alabama Rot was confirmed in Guiseley.

The Guiseley case is one of ten new incidents across the UK since December.

Vets say 2017 was the UK’s worst year for the disease after the number of confirmed reports almost doubled.

Eight new cases from December, and two in January 2018, have been confirmed by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, taking the total number in 2017 to 37. There have now been 122 cases in the UK since the disease was first detected in 2012.

David Walker, who is an expert on the condition, from Anderson Moores, said: “Although the figures have almost doubled since 2016, it is important that dog owners remain calm, but vigilant for signs of the disease, particularly over the coming months, as we are now in the peak season for cases of the disease.

“The first sign of the disease that is normally seen is a skin sore that isn’t caused by a known injury. Most commonly these sores are found on the lower half of the leg and appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or are open and ulcer-like.

“While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, any concerned dog owners should visit www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/ for advice and a map of confirmed cases.”

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said Alabama Rot was a rare disease and he urged owners to continue exercising their pets.

He added:”Treatment is supportive, but is only successful in around 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.”

He said the best chance of recovery for an affected dog was in early and intensive veterinary care.

The new cases are in Sacriston, Guiseley, Bury and Bolton, Leek, Petworth, Brighton, West Coker, Bishop’s Tawton, and in Presteigne.