Alabama Rot in Preston, Lancashire

So, for the last few days Facebook has been suggesting a case of Alabama Rot has been diagnosed in Preston. Tonight the Lancashire Evening Post has reported that a dog has died of the disease, the 65th case in the UK since 2012. The dog is believed to be from the Fulwood Area, although in the past few days I had heard it was from Garstang. Given the report that it was walked in Highgate Woods off Garstang Road it is well worth avoiding walking your dog there for the time being. From what I have read previously your dog seems most at risk in wet, muddy, wooded areas. Certainly that was the case in the New Forest, where the first outbreaks were reported, and I think in the cases reported in Cornwall. It does appear that you can never be totally safe round here. As many will know, there were cases around Bolton and Wigan last year. If your dog does get muddy (when don't they?) the advice seems to be to wash it off. However, if like me you are completed paranoid you'll stick to the paths on open moors and beaches whenever you can. it sounds like the most horrible disease. My heart goes to the owner.