A case of deadly dog disease Alabama rot has been found in Powys – the fifth the county has ever seen.

An animal in Glasbury, in southern Radnorshire, has been diagnosed with the rare disease, and is one of four new cases of the disease across the UK this week.

The UK has seen only 241 confirmed cases of Alabama rot since 2012, which have been spread across 46 counties. This year has seen 37 cases so far, already above the 29 detected in 2019, putting the country on course for its worst year of infections yet – there were 52 cases in 2018.

The cases, which also included others in Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Devon, were confirmed by veterinary specialist referral centre Anderson Moores.

David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from 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.”

The highest number of confirmed cases have been in Greater Manchester, Dorset, Surrey, Devon and the New Forest in Hampshire. There have been four previous cases in Powys, one on land at Aberbechan in Montgomeryshire in February 2018, and two in Presteigne in December 2017 and February 2018. Another was found in Brecon in January 2018.

Alabama rot, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, can lead to dogs suffering kidney failure.

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, has been supporting research on the condition for a number of years, and is advising dog owners to contact their vet if they have any concerns.

He said: “While it is understandable that dog owners will be worried by Alabama Rot, it is still a very rare disease and we’d encourage owners to continue exercising their pet.

“If a dog becomes affected, the best chance of recovery lies with early and intensive veterinary care at a specialist facility such as Anderson Moores.

“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, and visit a vet if they have any concerns.”