Leptospirosis

Public Health Concerns

Leptospirosis can be transmitted to people in close contact with infected dogs or from contaminated environments. Cases of leptospirosis acquired from dogs have been diagnosed in veterinary staff in various parts of the United States. Farmers, hunters, trappers, outdoor sports enthusiasts and dog trainers are also at risk. Infected dogs may appear clinically normal yet still shed enough organisms to cause clinical infection in people.

"The risks for transmission to humans also have to be taken into consideration, and veterinarians should provide information [to dog owners] pertinent to this zoonosis”.

M. Kalin 19993

Many infections in adults are mild or subclinical. Humans with clinical disease may display fever, chills, myalgia, abdominal pain, vomiting and conjunctival suffusion. Contact your physician if you have questions.

Lepto has been diagnosed in all types of dogs. All breeds and sizes of dogs are at risk.
Dogs can get sick even if they never come into direct contact with infected animals.
Most dogs that venture outdoors are at risk for lepto.