A WARNING has been issued to Worcestershire dog owners on how to keep their pets safe from a killer disease.

New research has confirmed that nationwide at least 30 dogs have died from Alabama rot in the past 18 months.

An investigation detailing the extent of the outbreak was published in the Veterinary Record yesterday (Monday), with symptoms displayed by dogs in Worcestershire.

In 2012, your Worcester News reported how Steve Smith, of Wadborough, near Pershore, lost two of his working dogs to what is believed to have been Alabama rot.

After the report's release, Worcester's dog warden Pip Singleton warned owners to be on their guard: "It's really quite serious. That's why I would recommend walking in areas that you know and where you know there's no dirty, stagnant water.

"Some dogs have had red sores, some have been frothing at the mouth, but others have become very ill very quickly, with no signs.

"People need to be cautious, not panic and take precautions."

Outbreaks of Alabama rot have affected dogs in the United States since the 1980s.

However, the disease was unknown in this country until November 2012, when reports started emerging of dogs dying mysteriously in the New Forest, Hampshire.

The symptoms suffered by the dogs are red lesions on lower legs followed by kidney failure between two and seven days later.

Miss Singleton said: "One of the things I would suggest is that if dogs got into dirty or muddy water then it's advisable to wash the dog immediately.

"If owners see anything to do with their dog that is not the norm, then they should contact their local vet straight away.

"Another thing is it might be worth people taking wet wipes with them so when they bring a dog back from a walk they can be wiped down.

"At this time of year, you should not allow your dog to go into marshy land or swimming."

The cases of Alabama rot in the UK have affected dogs of all shapes and sizes, the investigation revealed, unlike the US cases, which have only affected greyhounds.