Dog owners in Essex have been warned to be vigilant after a case of the deadly Alabama Rot was reported in Manningtree.

The Highcliff Veterinary Practise, which has a surgery in Brantham, has confirmed a dog recently died after catching the rare disease.

This is the first ever confirmed case of the disease in Essex and is worrying for dog owners as it can lead to kidney failure in dogs - regardless of there size or breed.

On their Facebook page Highcliff Veterinary Practise said: "We have recently diagnosed, at our Brantham Surgery, a dog that had developed this awful condition. Sadly the condition proved fatal for this beautiful dog, as it does for more than 85% of dogs.

"This case is the first confirmed case in East Anglia, but it is worth noting that the dog had recently holidayed, with her owners, in a part of the country where previous cases have been confirmed."

Though Alabama Rot is considered to be rare in the UK, dog owners in Essex are being advised to remain calm but keep their eye out for the key sign of the disease which is unexplained lesions on the skin.

If you are worried about your dog you are advised to contact your local vet.

Teresa Barnett, who has used the vets in Brantham for more than seven years with her cocker spaniel, said: "It's worrying to hear of the disease, especially as it's where we take our dog for routine check-ups."

Can Alabama Rot be prevented?

So far this year there have been 13 cases of Alabama Rot, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRVG), across the UK.

The website vets 4 pets has suggested the best way to 'stop the rot' is to know the warning signs of the disease.

Some experts think the disease is picked up on the paws and legs on muddy walks so they recommend always washing off your dog, especially after woodland walks.