Dogs owners using Llantrisant Common are being warned after multiple cases of a potentially deadly disease has been found in pets in this area.
The disease, Alabama rot, can be fatal in dogs as it causes damage to blood vessels and can lead to kidney failure and some cases can eventually lead to death.
Llantristant Town Trust posted on social media last Wednesday, and said, “Following investigation by Llantrisant Town Trust (the charitable body that manages the lands and rights of the Freemen of Llantrisant), working with Rhonnda Cynon Taf Council’s Environmental Health Department and National Resources Wales we can confirm several cases of Alabama rot amongst dogs that have visited the Common recently.
“We have been informed that a dog affected by Alabama Rot may have contracted it on Llantrisant Common has passed away.
“We strongly advise that dog owners refrain from walking their animals on Llantrisant Common at this present time.”
Dione O’Brien, owner of Old Town Dog Walking Services, thinks social media is “hyping” the issue up as a bigger issue than it is, “things like Alabama rot, they crop up every single year.
“Whilst they say Llantrisant Common is the source of Alabama rot, it’s not actually confirmed. It’s just [rumours on] social media”.
There have been twelve confirmed cases of Alabama rot across the UK so far in 2020, with the highest number of confirmed cases in Greater Manchester, Dorset, Devon and New Forest in Hampshire.
Tracey Hannah from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) said, “We’re not too concerned… if they spot it as soon as possible there may be something we can do.”
While unsure of what causes the disease, the PDSA says that it has often been reported in dogs who have walked in muddy or woodland areas.