Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both humans and dogs and is considered the number one emergent zoonotic threat world-wide. This disease can spread rapidly throughout an area and can be life-threatening to pets, that’s why it’s essential for pet owners to have timely information about disease prevalence in their area.

Unvaccinated dogs contract Leptospirosis from standing water or contaminated soil and once infected, can shed the bacteria into the environment from 1 to 4 weeks before clinical signs appear, creating new reservoirs of infection. Previously thought a disease confined to rural areas, this is no longer the case. Leptospirosis is now being diagnosed in dogs in urban areas, that live in high rises and apartment complexes, meaning unvaccinated dogs may be at risk no matter where they live.

The best way to protect your pets and family from serious diseases such as Leptospirosis is to stay up-to-date on infection instance in your community.

Pet Disease Alerts offers a unique subscription service that tracks Canine Influenza and Leptospirosis activity to the county level. If positive cases of the disease appear in your community, the service then will send you an alert via e-mail and/or text. These alerts help you to stay informed so that you can discuss with your veterinarian how to best protect your pets from Canine Influenza and Leptospirosis.