Pet News! Leptospirosis and your Pets!

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Hello Golden Lovers,

Mitchell and Margaret Kalloch would like to share the following information from www.peteducation.com. Their very much loved Jake (picture attached) died suddenly and unexpectantly of Leptospirosis even though he was vaccinated. (Lepto is usually included in your dog's distemper vaccination.) Jake was adopted from the rescue in May of this year and was an otherwise happy, healthy boy.

Jake died of the autumnalis strain which is carried by mouse urine. Stagnant and slow moving water is a habitat of the virus and we've had a lot of rain lately.

Leptospirosis is caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine. It occurs in warmer climates.

Risk factors include:

• Occupational exposure -- farmers, ranchers, slaughterhouse workers, trappers, veterinarians, loggers, sewer workers, rice field workers, and military personnel.
• Recreational activities -- fresh water swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and trail biking in warm areas.
• Household exposure -- pet dogs, domesticated livestock, rainwater catchment systems, and infected rodents.