DOG owners are being urged to take extra precautions when out walking their pets this spring and summer, and be mindful of the deadly disease, Alabama Rot.

The mysterious illness, which first appeared in the late 1980s affecting greyhounds in America, has spread to at least 16 counties in England, with at least 30 dogs, not just greyhounds, dying nationwide in the last 18 months.

Although there are not any known cases currently in the Wyre Forest, in 2012 near Pershore, Worcestershire, wo dogs were believed to have died from the illness.

Vets4Pets has launched an interactive guide to provide dog owners with information on the disease, including confirmed locations and tips on how to reduce the risk of dogs becoming infected.

Huw Stacey, head of clinical services at the vets, said the guide could help put a stop to the disease in the UK.

"The cause of Alabama Rot, clinically known as idiopathic cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is still unknown and there is no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease.

"This is why we have produced an interactive guide that helps dog owners understand where in the UK confirmed cases have occurred, how to spot symptoms and tips on reducing the risk of infection."

The concern among vets in the UK is that unlike the Alabama Rot that affected greyhounds in America, the disease in the UK does not seem to target any specific breed, age, sex or weight of dog.

“Of course cases are currently extremely rare and our advice is aimed at informing as many people as possible about the disease, because the warmer weather will soon be upon us and many people will be enjoying the great UK outdoors with their pets; and we want to ensure dogs are kept safe," Mr Stacey added.

The first sign of the deadly disease is normally a skin lesion or sore most commonly below the elbow or knee that has not been caused by a known injury. Any dogs with this symptom, should be checked out by a vet immediately.

To find out where in the UK cases of Alabama Rot have been recorded, visit vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/ and for further information on Alabama Rot read the 2014 Vets Report at vets4pets.com/thevetreport.