New cases of a terrifying disease which eats dogs alive have been confirmed in the UK.
Five dogs have contracted the fatal Alabama Rot , a disease which thrives in cold, wet wintry weather when the ground is sodden where dogs are taken for walks.
The condition damages blood vessel in the skin and kidney, causing ulcers to form and the organs to fail.
Today Winchester-based veterinary specialist referral centre Anderson Moores confirmed the five new cases were near Horsham, West Sussex, where two dogs died, in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, and in Hungerford, Berkshire, where there were two victims.
David Walker, the UK's leading expert in the disease, described the latest deaths as 'sad' and warned: "We are now in the time of year when cases are most common.
"Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners, however, this disease is still very rare, so we're advising owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions."
Since the condition reached Britain from America in 2012, numerous dogs have lost their lives.
Areas including Greater Manchester, Dorset and the New Forest in Hampshire have been particularly badly hit, although cases have been recorded as far apart as Devon, the Lake District, the Midlands, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Mr Walker implored dogs owners not be put off taking their hounds into fields and woods in the run-up to Christmas.
"We'd encourage owners to continue exercising their pet as normal," he said.
"We've seen cases of dogs walked with other dogs, in the same place every day, developing the disease, while the other dogs remained completely unaffected.
"Any owners who are worried that their pet might have Alabama Rot should contact their veterinary practice immediately."
News of the latest deaths follow similar fatalities in Gloucestershire and Westbury, Wiltshire.
Vets are desperately searching for a cure for Alabama Rot, which has killed a greater number of dogs each year since it arrived in the UK.
Another vet, Dr Ian Hopkins, said: "The best advice is to continue enjoying exercising your dog but always be mindful of certain symptoms which may indicate a nasty disease such as Alabama Rot.
"These can include lethargy, vomiting and maybe your dog is drinking more than usual.
"With Alabama Rot, the dog will often have skin lesions or ulcers - in the mouth, on the tongue and lower limbs including feet are common place.
"However, the lesions are not always present and in the case we have just dealt with, there were no sign of any lesions at all.
"It affects all types of dogs of all ages which therefore makes it a matter of concern for all owners."
London's Royal Veterinary College say the fatality rate is high, with fewer than one in five dogs surviving.
All breeds are at risk, but those which have been affected most include Labradors, English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Whippets, Flatcoated
