Dog owners are being warned after multiple cases of flesh eating Alabama Rot were found in a small area of south Wales - with one dog already dead.
The deadly disease causes damage to dogs' blood vessels and can bring about kidney failure and potentially death - while being difficult to spot and treat in its early stages, it can lead to distressing symptoms.
A cluster of cases have been reported from Llantrisant Common in Rhondda Cynon Taf in Glamorgan, with authorities advising dog walkers to avoid the common until further notice.
In a Facebook post, the Llantristant Town Trust confirmed one of the dogs affected by the condition "who may have contracted it on Llantrisant Common" has already died, reports Wales Online.
The Trust said: "Following investigation by Llantrisant Town Trust (the charitable body that manages the lands and rights of the Freemen of Llantrisant), working with Rhonnda Cynon Taf Council's Environmental Health Department and Natural Resources Wales we can confirm several cases of Alabama rot amongst dogs that have visited the Common recently.
"We have been informed that one of the dogs affected by Alabama rot who may have contracted it on Llantrisant Common has passed away today ."
They added that they "strongly advise" owners and their dogs to give the common a wide berth in the meantime.
The disease is rare but has been increasing in the UK over the last decade. From six cases in 2012, there were 52 in the UK in 2018 and 29 last year, in this country alone.
This isn't the only outbreak of illness in dogs centred around a certain area in south Wales recently.
At the beginning of February, a serious vomiting virus was found in dogs being walked at Pontardwe Recreation Ground near Swansea.
There have been 12 confirmed cases of Alabama rot across the UK so far in 2020, one of which was reported in Croespenmaen, Caerphilly.
The highest number of confirmed cases have been in Greater Manchester, Dorset, Devon and the New Forest in Hampshire.
Speaking of the recent cases across the UK, David Walker, from veterinary specialists Anderson Moores, said: "We are sad to announce more cases from this year, as 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 dog owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.
"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."
Treatment for Alabama rot is successful in around 20% of cases.
