Dog owners have been urged to be vigilant after two pets died from the killer disease, Alabama Rot.

Alabama Rot had previously only been seen in America.

But since last year, a similar disease is believed to have killed nearly 30 animals in the UK with potentially dozens of other unconfirmed cases.

Seven dogs in the New Forest area of Hampshire have died since the outbreak and further cases have been reported elsewhere.

Now officials in Wigan, Lancashire, have confirmed a further two dogs have died after contracting the illness.

Alabama Rot was first reported in greyhounds in America in the 1980s - but a wide range of breeds have been struck down.

Dr Dan Batchelor, who is a specialist vet at the University of Liverpool, said: “Most affected dogs have a history of being walked in woodland areas.

"Most of the reported cases have been in Hampshire but the disease has been reported in other areas including Lancashire and Cheshire.”

The disease has been linked to dogs eating a certain vegetation in woodland or possibly pesticide used on trees, but no official link has been found.

According to the Liverpool Echo, early symptoms of the illness include skin lesions, often on the legs, that can develop up to several days after the walk.

Dr Batchelor continued: "Signs of kidney failure can include loss of appetite, depression, and vomiting. The mortality rate is sadly high despite treatment.”

“The cause of the disease is unknown even though extensive testing has been carried out.

“It is advisable to keep dogs under close control in woodland areas and dog owners should be aware of anything that their dog eats, chews or picks up.

 "If owners notice wounds on their dog after exercise in wooded areas, or if they are worried about their dog’s symptoms, they should take the dog to their vet. Most vets are now aware of the condition.”

A Wigan Council spokesman confirmed that two dogs had died as a result of the illness and further tests were taking place.