In the park, at the beach, in the backyard, along the sidewalk and in the lake, many serovars of Leptospira sp. bacteria can be found in soil and water. They are spread through the urine of infected animals, including wildlife and even birds such as starlings. Lepto is zoonotic, adding significance to reinforcing the benefits of vaccination and preventative measures.
Recent studies show that cats can develop the disease, become carriers and shed virus in their urine, which adds outdoor and feral cats to common backyard wildlife carriers such as rats, raccoons, skunks and opossums.
Source: AAHA, August 21, 2024. Link.
Preventing leptospirosis in pets involves a combination of practices: Vaccinate dogs, avoid stagnant water, control rodent populations, practice good hygiene.”
Related: AAHA’s Canine Vaccination Guidelines Task Force recommends the use of the 4-serovar vaccines for protection against the most relevant pathogens with the first dose at 12 weeks of age, which coincides with the recommendation for the first rabies vaccine dose.
INSIGHTS: It is not uncommon to see puppies out for their first walks or trips to the dog park prior to being 12 weeks old. While fun, dog owners need to be aware of the potential risk from lepto before they get the animal vaccinated.