Research support and our fund

The New Forest Dog Owners Group supports a range of research, to enhance and protect the lives of dogs, and other animals which could be affected by our activities. This includes raising tens of thousands of pounds for research into CRGV or ‘Alabama Rot’ and supporting studies into possible spread of neospora from dogs to cattle.

CRGV / Alabama Rot
Our support began after there were a number of mystery dog deaths from kidney failure in around 2012. The first reported cases were in the New Forest, but subsequently it’s been spotted across the UK. CRGV is a serious disease, often fatal, which affects the internal organs of the dog. It is caused by bacteria which is found in some wet and muddy ground. There are dozens of identified cases each year.

NFDOG set up a fund to collect donations to help facilitate research into this disease. The fund was opened in March 2014 with a donation of £2,000 from NFDOG. The research is ongoing and has made significant progress.

The bacterium causing CRGV (Alabama Rot) has now been isolated by Bristol University Vets School, and it is currently undergoing identification at DNA level. Our funding has supported this post-graduate work.

It means veterinary researchers are now investigating potential treatments. It is unlikely there will be a dedicated drug, but many existing treatments and medicines can be tested, to see what is the most effective course of treatment. This will lead to recommendations to all vets. Until now, vets have had to have a ‘best guess’ approach to caring for affected dogs with varied success. It’s also hoped that rapid diagnostic kits can be created to allow for early recognition and treatment.

Neospora
In 2022, two Commoner farmers said they’d had large scale abortions of their cows on the forest, due to Neospora. They said this was spread by dogs and specifically owners not picking up poo which was eaten by cattle. Neospora is a bacteria which affects cattle, but is also passed and distributed though other mammals.

NFDOG, with the New Forest Verderers, and Forestry England, paid for a study carried out by scientists at Surrey University. They collected 200 samples of dog poo from nine sites across the New Forest. None showed the Neospora virus.

It’s possible the disease was already in the cattle when they were put out to graze; or the disease has been spread by foxes. But the research enabled NFDOG to exonerate owners from the accusation – while still maintaining that it is essential that poo is picked up and disposed of in a bin.

Dog ownership and welfare
NFDOG contributes to a wide range of studies into access, dog welfare and ownership. We represent the largest number of dog owners of any organisation in the UK, and speak both from experience and with one voice. We are members of several official bodies including the New Forest Access Fortum and the National Park Recreational Management Strategy Advisory Group, which coordinate research into how the forest is used, and to balance its requirements such as the environment; farming; recreation and bio-diversity.

An example is support for research into the harmful effects of flea and tick treatments, especially the ‘spot-on’ shoulder types. Two drugs in particular – Fipronil and Imidacloprid – wash off dogs. These have clearly been shown to kill insect life particularly around ponds and still water used by dogs. Partners include Wile New Forest and the official bodies, and we have been pressurising DEFRA, which manages veterinary medicine, to provide clear guidance for owners.

Our Research Fund
NFDOG runs a continuing research fund, which is separate from other operating funds. Although CRGV remains the main objective, support for other types of research can be considered. The NFDOG committee decides how the fund shall be allocated. The committee does not receive any payment, therefore costs of the fund will be kept to a minimum.

NFDOG will present accounts showing income and expenditure at each AGM, and periodically give updates on the progress of projects sponsored, through the AGM, 'Bark!' magazine or other internal media.

If the fund is wound up any remaining cash will be offered in the first instance to the University of Bristol Veterinary School to support pre-specified research into canine health and/or welfare.

If you would like to donate to our research fund, please do so. This can be done online by clicking here