DEADLY dog disease Alabama Rot is back in Wiltshire as there has been a reported case of the illness in Chippenham.

The dog in question (not pictured) has died after it was taken to an out of hours surgery in the town. No further details are currently available about the exact location.

The disease is very rare but can be fatal to dogs as it damages their blood vessels and can cause kidney failure.

This latest report follows another case in Malmesbury in December last year.

Thirteen new cases have been confirmed by vet specialists Anderson Moores who say there have 28 reports so far this year.

The thirteen confirmed cases are located in West Buckland, Brushford and Crowcombe (Somerset), Sidmouth and Honiton (Devon), Nuthall and two in Kirkby in Ashfield (Nottinghamshire), Towcester (Northamptonshire), Cleeve Prior near Evesham (Worcestershire), Carterton (Oxfordshire), Merrow (Surrey) and Chippenham (Wiltshire).

David Walker, an expert on the condition said: “Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners.

“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."

The highest number of confirmed cases have been in Greater Manchester, Dorset, Surrey, Devon and the New Forest in Hampshire.

Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, has been supporting research on the condition for a number of years. He said: “While it is understandable that dog owners will be worried by Alabama Rot, it is still a very rare disease.

“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."