Leptospirosis: A Backyard Threat

The Bloomingdale Animal Hospital is recommending that all dogs be vaccinated against Leptospirosis due to the increase in the number of confirmed cases of Leptospirosis in the region and its potential to be passed from animal to human. A recent cluster of cases in Rockaway was investigated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), but the disease occurs throughout the state of New Jersey.

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease that damages the liver and kidneys of dogs, humans and other animals. It is spread through the urine of infected squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, rodents and other common wildlife. The mild winter we experienced this year may result in an increase in both the wildlife population and the incidents of Leptospirosis.

Your dog can become infected with Leptospirosis by drinking, swimming in or walking through contaminated water or soil, or by consuming wildlife such as chipmunks and mice. Should your dog become infected, you may contract the disease via your dog’s urine.

Initial signs and symptoms of Leptospirosis in both dogs and humans include flu like symptoms (fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, muscle pain). Severe cases lead to damage of the liver, kidney or central nervous system.

Reduce the risk of Leptospirosis by:

• Vaccinating your dog
• Avoiding water that may be contaminated with the bacteria, especially stagnant water
• Washing your and your children’s hands—especially when handling anything that might have your dog’s urine on it

The vaccine is administered as follows:

Dogs that have not been previously vaccinated against Leptospirosis should receive two doses of vaccine three to four weeks apart, and then receive an annual booster. Puppies may be vaccinated as young as six weeks of age, although for most pets we recommend starting at 12 weeks or older.

Additional information regarding Leptospirosis is available from the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/