Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals (dogs are more commonly affected than cats). It is caused by bacteria, Leptospira, which is often found in oil and water. The infection of humans presents as flu-like symptoms and can lead to liver or kidney disease.

Pets become exposed to bacteria when:

Drinking from contaminated rivers, lakes, or streams
Exposed to wild animals or farm animals
In contact with rodents in the backyard

Transmission occurs from:

Infected urine
Infected soil
Infected water
Contaminated food
Contaminated bedding
A bite from an infected animal

Common signs include:

Fever
Shivering
Muscle tenderness
Reluctance to move
Reluctance to move
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Bleeding

Prevention

Environmental management

Rat control
Appropriate fencing to prevent infected animals from coming into your property
Landscaping to prevent stagnant and still water areas

Vaccination

A vaccination to help protect against leptospirosis can be administered by your veterinarian. If your pet has not been vaccinated before they will require 2 vaccines 3-4 weeks apart. It is then given as an annual booster. It is considered a non-core vaccination, which means it is only given to pets that are at risk of contracting the disease.

It is important to note that there are many strains of leptospirosis and vaccinations offer limited cross-protection against other strains. This means that if your pet comes into contact with a leptospira strain that has not been vaccinated against your pet may still contract the disease.

*Information sourced from Vetcheck Leptospirosis information sheet (this can be emailed to clients)

Please call us on 49252999 if you would like more information.

Consultations can be made via phone or online (https://www.cookshillvet.com.au/contact)