Further to our email earlier this month, we have now had two dogs test positive for Leptospirosis through our hospital. The first one was living on the lower north shore, and a second case, more recently, was from the mid-north coast but had been in Sydney, and particular centennial park. Unfortunately, both dogs have passed away from the disease. The University of Sydney Teaching Hospital has also seen several cases over the last few months, that have all had the same outcome sadly.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that appears to live in our rat population; they are the reservoir host. Dogs become infected by eating diseased rats or stagnant water with contaminated urine from the rats. It is not a new disease in Australia, but we have only previously experienced very sporadic cases.
What can you do?
The good news is that we can vaccinate against Leptospirosis to minimise the risk to our dogs. Dogs require a course of two vaccinations, 2-4 weeks apart. We suggest this for dogs that live in the inner west or withing a 3-5km radius of the Artarmon/Naremburn area. Leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to people. Please take the usual public health care precautions. If you have any questions, please call 9436 1213, or book an appointment online using the button below.
