New Threat To Canine, Human Health Emerging

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 12, 2011

One of your dog’s trademark assets – its nose – may get it into some serious medical problems through a water-borne bacteria that is increasingly common in canines and humans.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread through animal urine, can live for weeks or even months in soil and surface waters. Something as simple as your dog stepping in or sniffing a puddle can cause infection, which can then be passed to humans.

“In the past, leptospirosis was relatively rare,” said Anne Bell, executive director of the Southern Animal Foundation in New Orleans. “These days, we are routinely vaccinating dogs for this disease.”

Up to 200 human cases of leptospirosis are reported each year, with many others going undiscovered or being mistaken for more common ailments. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, digestive or gastrointestinal problems, dehydration and abdominal pain – all things that can be mistaken for other infections or ailments, including flu. Routine antibiotics will typically cure the disease, although sometimes hydration therapy is also necessary. In severe cases, however, the disease can cause jaundice, kidney failure, and spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).

The leptospirosis vaccine is now part of the standard exam and vaccination package offered at the Southern Animal Foundation’s clinic in the Lower Garden District. To help raise awareness of leptospirosis and to increase vaccination levels, the Foundation is offering a special price for dog owners whose pets are due for shots and a veterinary exam. Through the end of January, $99 covers the cost of a full veterinary exam, heartworm test, and all standard vaccines – including rabies, bordatella, parvo, and leptospirosis.

“All pet owners are responsible for their animals’ health, and with diseases like leptospirosis that are transmittable to humans, we should all take necessary steps to protect our dogs and our families,” Bell said.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 671.8235 or visit www.SouthernAnimalFoundation.org.