What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis, is a serious but treatable disease. It’s a bacterial infection that affects many mammals, including humans, horses, cattle, pigs, and dogs. In humans and dogs, infection causes a wide range of symptoms, from none to a high fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). Dogs may also refuse to eat or move because of stiffness and severe muscle pain. If you or your pet experience symptoms of leptospirosis, speak with your doctor or veterinarian as soon as possible.

Early detection is important because leptospirosis can cause serious complications if not treated. If left untreated, the disease can cause death in both humans and animals.

How do people and animals get leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is caused by a type of bacteria, called leptospires. The bacteria is spread when urine from an infected human or animal contaminates water, food, or soil. If a person or animal swallows or touches the contaminated water, food, or soil, they can get infected. Keep in mind that leptospires cansurvive on human skin. If you touch something that’s contaminated, the bacteria can transfer from your hands to your mouth or food. The disease does not spread from person to person. All animals can become infected with leptospires, although cases in cats are rare.

How can I prevent leptospirosis in my pet?
Vaccinate your pet against leptospirosis. Even if your pet has been infected with leptospirosis, it’s important to get a vaccination. There are many types of leptospires and the vaccine can protect your pet from other types of leptospires.

How can I protect myself and other people when my pet has leptospirosis?

The risk of a human getting leptospirosis from a pet is low. But it’s important to follow these precautions to keep yourself and others healthy.

• Don't touch or come in contact with urine, blood, or tissues from your infected pet.
• If you need to have contact with animal tissues or urine, wear protective clothing, such as gloves and boots, especially if you’re occupationally at risk (veterinarians, farm workers, and sewer workers).
• Always wash your hands after touching your pet or anything that might have your pet's feces or urine on it.
• If you’re cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated or have urine from an infected pet on them, use a disinfectant or a solution of 1 part household bleach in 10 parts water.
• Make sure that your infected pet takes all of its medicine.