Mysterious Disease Claiming Lives of Dogs in the region

Mysterious Disease Claiming Lives of Dogs in the region

Concerns have been raised over a mystery disease that has been claiming lives of much-loved furry friends. In order to raise an alarm, the Forestry Commission has alerted owners across the New Forest in Hampshire about deaths of dogs from the unknown disease.

Around 12 dogs were killed due to this mysterious disease in 2013 and this month, two cases have been confirmed. For now, it is not known which kind of disease it is. The experts have been saying it can be fungal, water-borne or dogs have been picking it from ground.

This has led the commission to join hands with forces that include local vets, specialist laboratories, Animal Health Trust and the Environment Agency. They all are trying to identify the disease.

Vets have said the disease is quite similar to Alabama Rot, which was first seen in the United States in the 1980s. Earlier, the disease was associated with grey hounds only, but now the disease has been affecting many other breeds.

Warning signs have been placed in dog parks. Dog owners have been asked to be quite vigilant about any wound on dog. "Affected dogs then go on to develop signs of severe depression, loss of appetite and vomiting, quickly accompanied by acute injury to the kidneys", reads the sign.