VETS have confirmed that a second dog has died after contracting a lethal disease which has struck in the Horsham area.

An outbreak of deadly Alabama Rot was first confirmed in Southwater three weeks ago.

A second dog fell ill a week later and had to be put down.

Now tests have revealed that the dog - a five year old Weimaraner called Mitzee - had also contracted the disease.

Both pets had been walking on the Downs Link near West Grinstead before they became ill.

Mitzee’s death brings the total of new deaths this year from Alabama Rot - also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy or CRGV - to 23.

Alabama Rot is a disease that damages a dog's blood vessels in the skin and kidney.

This causes ulcers on the skin and kidney failure.

In total, the UK has now seen 198 confirmed cases of Alabama Rot across 40 counties, since 2012.

David Walker, the UK’s leading expert on the condition, from Anderson Moores, said: "We are sad to announce more cases from 2019, as we are now in the time of year when cases are most common.

"Further confirmed cases mean it is understandably very worrying for dog owners; however, this disease is still very rare, so we’re advising dog owners to remain calm but vigilant, and seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions.

"While there is currently no known way to prevent a dog from contracting the disease, any concerned dog owners should visit www.vets4pets.com/stop-alabama-rot/ for advice and a map of confirmed cases."