Chenango Co. Health Department sees increase in leptospirosis cases in dogs

NORWICH (WBNG) — The Chenango County Health Department said it has seen an increase in cases of leptospirosis in dogs.

The Health Department noted that local veterinarians have informed them of the issue, prompting the need for the public to be made aware.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria in contaminated soil and water that is spread through urine.

The Health Department noted that it can live in water and soil for months.

Humans and animals, including pets and livestock, can become infected when exposed, the department warned. It may take up to 30 days to get sick after exposure.

Symptoms include fever, rash, headaches, diarrhea, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, red eyes, yellow or jaundiced skin and eyes, and stomach pains.

Those symptoms can then advance into liver or kidney failure, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, difficulty breathing and death.

Unvaccinated animals are at risk of leptospirosis if exposed to the bacteria. Other risk exposures include:

• Directly touching the body fluids of an infected animal
• Eating food, drinking water, or directly touching soil that is contaminated by the urine of an infected animal
• Water recreation like swimming, kayaking, or canoeing in rivers, lakes, and creeks
• Hiking or hunting
• Gardening, yard work, or outdoor cleaning and maintenance
• Jobs like working at a veterinary clinic, dairy farming, or butchering
• People experiencing homelessness or living in close quarters to others are at a higher risk of exposure
• Everyone is at higher risk of exposure after heavy rain or flooding. Animal urine in the soil can contaminate rain or floodwater and, therefore, contaminate anywhere that water goes.

The Health Department said it’s important people practice good hygiene habits. The department recommends the following:

• Don’t swim in water that could be contaminated, especially after heavy rain or flooding
• Avoid contact with animals that could be infected
• Cover cuts and scrapes with waterproof bandages
• Wear protective, waterproof clothing and footwear when around potentially contaminated water, like during or after a flood event
• Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
• Vaccinate your animals against leptospirosis and isolate those that are sick
• Control the rodent population around your home, recreation, and work areas

Anyone who thinks they have been exposed is asked to contact their healthcare provider.

If you have questions, contact the Chenango County Health Department at 607-337-1660.

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