Lately there has been a lot of chatter about a disease called leptospirosis. What do you need to know?
This week we had a single case of Leptospirosis in a pet dog in Jerrabomberra, which hadn’t left the ACT. It was the 39th case in the NSW/ACT region since 2017. This is the first and only case in the ACT.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection. Infection occurs through exposure to rats and rat urine, such as through contaminated water sources, soil and food. Swimming in or drinking from stagnant water is the most common source. If dogs become infected, they can develop vomiting, diarrhoea, and kidney and liver disease. Fatalities are common and dogs can infect in-contact humans.
How can I protect my dog?
Avoid letting your dog drink from, or play in, stagnant water sources like ponds and puddles, and limit any contact of dogs with rats.
What about vaccination?
If you feel your dog is at risk, then please talk to your vet. There is an available vaccine that is somewhat protective.
We would like to reiterate that the risk of infection for the majority of dogs is very low.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the clinic and have a chat to our friendly staff.