DOG owners in Marlborough are on high alert after a cocker spaniel died and three more dogs are suspected to have caught a deadly disease called Alabama rot after walking in West Woods.

A woman from Swindon took her two cocker spaniels to the woodland with her friend from Marlborough, and her cocker spaniel last week.

But when sores started appearing on their legs the owners grew concerned and went to Drove Veterinary Hospital in Swindon.

They were referred to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester, who have been researching the disease since it first came to the UK in 2012.

However yesterday, because of one of the dog's deteriorating kidney condition she had to be put to sleep at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

The other two dogs are still being monitored for the disease and yesterday, a black Labrador called Mabel, who had been walked in the woods last week, is now also thought to have Alabama rot.

Mabel’s owner Helen Kelly is warning other dog owners to look out for symptoms, she said: “There is no clear test for this disease but the timeline of us walking at West Woods (Tuesday the 8th December) and symptoms appearing make it 'almost certain' in the words of the vet.“

The Forestry Commission, who own West Woods, said they are investigating.

It is not known how the rare disease, which causes fatal kidney failure, is caused or how it can be prevented, but it is thought to be picked up on paws and legs on muddy walks and lesions are the first sign a dog could have it.

There has only been 60 confirmed cases in the UK.

Head of internal medicines at Anderson Moores, David Walker, who has been monitoring the dogs, said: “Although this is a serious disease, it is not invariably fatal and we do not want people to panic.

“The signs to look out for are often little lesions below the knee or elbow and circular or like an ulcer. The hair will fall off which will get the dog’s attention and they may start licking it. However, the difficulty is not all the lesions will look the same.

“Be vigilant and if people are worried they should go to their local vets.”

A Forestry Commission spokesperson said:“We are concerned about the reports we are hearing where dogs are becoming ill and their owners say the exercise included West Woods.

“We are keeping in touch with the deputy head veterinary nurse who first brought this to our attention about the progress of her dogs.

“Owners should always keep their dogs under close control and be aware of anything they may pick up, chew or eat wherever they are and if their dog becomes ill they should contact a vet as soon as possible with as much information as they can.”