Leptospirosis: an update

Some of you may be aware of the recent outbreak of Leptospirosis in isolated areas in Melbourne. “Lepto” is an rare, rat-borne bacterial infection of both people and animals which is typically seen in warm regions such as northeastern NSW and QLD; however there have recently been multiple reported cases in urban Sydney, and in recent weeks there have been 3 confirmed fatal cases of the disease in suburban eastern Melbourne.

Leptospira bacteria prefer warm, moist environments and they are able to remain in the environment via infection of 'reservoir' hosts- usually rodents- which then excrete the bacteria via urine. Typically small animals can catch the infection via direct contact with rodents, or by ingesting water/soil contaminated with infected urine.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted to humans- again via urine.

Symptoms of the disease are usually vague- early on patients may exhibit fever, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea; however it can have a rapid progression to acute liver and kidney failure and can be fatal.

Due to the exceptionally rare nature of this disease in Melbourne we have never previously vaccinated for Lepto. It is important to emphasise that we still consider Lepto to be extremely low risk for the vast majority of our patients, and are not recommending the vaccine as part of our core protocol. For those pets traveling to higher risk areas or who have a higher likelihood of coming into contact with rodents/contaminated soil or water, please speak to one of our vets.

As with any signs of illness we always recommend you bring your pet into the vet ASAP to be checked; if caught early Lepto is a treatable disease. Please call us or arrange an appointment if you have any concerns!