It’s been around for some years. We were at Sandringham when we first heard about it called Alabama Rot. The Queen donated money to try and held identify the cause. But thus far it’s mainly a mystery. There’s a vet in southern England who has been doing excellent work and co-ordinating activities around U.K. It seems predominately in woodland and tends to occur in the cooler wetter time between Autumn and Spring and studies seem to associate it with fungi. The reported outbreak is quite early given no cold wet weather.
It features in other woodlands around U.K. and quite close to us there were some infections in an area of woodland near Marlborough. One advised precaution is to wash the dogs legs after a woodland walk and keep a careful watch for lesions on the legs or feet. Any doubts take the dog to the vet who may liaise with the co-ordinating veterinarian practice. It kills and quickly if not tackled early and even then the animal may die.
SCI is not Alabama Rot but here is a useful link on the former. Nice to know that the lady isn’t blaming the Royal Family!!!!
http://vets4pets.co.uk/alabama-rot/