Dog owners are being warned to look out for skin sores and lesions after two cases of Alabama Rot have been identified in Berkshire this year.

Alabama Rot, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is an extremely rare disease which claims the lives of 90 per cent of infected dogs.

In the last two months, two dogs have sadly died from Alabama Rot.

Three-year-old Labrador Grace and six-year-old Hungarian Vizsla Marnie both sadly passed from the disease this year and were both walked regularly in West Berkshire.

In a statement, Bracknell Forest Council said: "We have been made aware of two potential cases of Alabama Rot in the Lambourn area. 

"The number of confirmed cases reported across the UK in any one year is extremely low.

"Thousands of dogs are walked in the countryside every day, and it's important to remember that only a very small number of dogs are ever affected."

READ MORE: Alabama Rot Berkshire cases mapped

The council have provided residents with a list of signs to look out for.

The following are typical signs of Alabama rot: 

  • Skin sores, visible swelling, red patch or skin defects not caused by a known injury. These skin lesions typically appear below the knee or elbow, and occasionally on the face or at the bottom of the chest or abdomen.
  • Changes in appetite - reduced appetite, drinking more, vomiting and lethargy are signs of acute kidney injury.

To mitigate the risk of Alabama Rot, Bracknell Forest council said: "We advise washing off all mud following a wet muddy walk, especially through woodland. 

"If you are worried and your dog is showing signs of Alabama Rot then talk to your vet immediately."