15/07/2025
🤎 Bailey the 9yr old chocolate Labrador came in last weekend to visit her mum, Dr. Zoe, for the new leptospirosis vaccine (& for a healthy dose of treats 😆).
Let's talk about LEPTOSPIROSIS:
🔸 Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection spread by rodents that affects dogs, livestock, wildlife & even people.
🔸 It can cause kidney & liver failure, with 50% of cases in dogs in NSW being unfortunately fatal.
🔸 Dogs can become infected by coming into contact with contaminated water/soil or direct contact with infected animals.
Where are we now?
🔸 Over the past few years, there have been several localised outbreaks mostly in the Sydney region. Cases have also been identified on the NSW South Coast & Newcastle regions.
🔸 A confirmed case of leptospirosis in the Canberra region was identified in 2022.
🔸 More recently in 2025, there have been cases identified in the Greater Sydney region, NSW North Coast & the Southern Highlands.
Vaccination:
💉 We now have access to the NEW Lepto 2 vaccine which covers 2x serovars of leptospirosis - covering the common types that are seen in the NSW cases.
💉 Vaccination is recommended for dogs that are travelling to high-risk areas, living on properties with livestock, or have potential access to rodents or contamined water sources.
💉 2x doses, 4 weeks apart are required for protection, followed by an annual booster ongoing. For dogs previously vaccinated for leptospirosis, the full course of the new vaccine is required if switching over.
If you would like to know more about leptospirosis & vaccinating your dog, please call us on 6147 5577 to chat to our team or ask your vet at your pet's next check-up!
___________
From our team to yours, Molonglo Vet!🧡
📞 (02) 6147 5577
✉️ [email protected]
🔗 https://www.molonglovet.com.au
