Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have had two confirmed cases of Leptospirosis in the last month.
Leptospirosis can cause a severe and often fatal bacterial infection in dogs. It is spread through water contaminated with rat urine. The recent heavy rainfall has increased risks and prevalence due to flooding, puddles, drains filled etc.
Humans can also become infected either through contact with rat urine or via an infected dog.
Dogs can become infected through contact with rat urine. This can be contact with water or soil contaminated with rat urine or seeking out and eating rats.
We can help prevent infection by avoiding exposure to rats or areas frequented by rats. We can prevent dogs from drinking, playing or swimming in stagnant water and mud areas.
NEW VACCINATION AVAILABLE
A new leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is now available, offering a wider, broader protection against the disease. This new vaccine, often called Nobivac Lepto 2, includes a strain (L. Australis) not previously covered in the standard vaccine. The new vaccine helps to protect dogs against a wider range of leptospirosis strains, reducing the risk of infection and its potentially fatal consequences.
The new vaccine requires a restart of the vaccination series, with two doses given 2 to 4 weeks apart. Annual boosters are needed to maintain protection.
Please call us on 49572269 to discuss a vaccination program for your dog.
