16/08/2025
This post is specifically aimed for people of North Bengal in Jalpaiguri district where a leptospirosis outbreak has been reported in humans. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Leptospira spp which spreads through urine of infected animals (rodents, livestock, wildlife).
Primary source of Transmission is contaminated water, soil, food, or direct contact with infected urine and its occurrence is primarily more during rainy season as due to rainfall, rat urine can easily mix with water, increasing the risk of infection.
Since humans are getting infected chances are very pets particularly dog too might be getting infected in that region and pet parents should be extra cautious as they may be overlooked as some other disease such as tick fever.
Dogs are particularly sensitive to leptospirosis and we see death rates in non vaccinated dogs
Cats getting infected is rare and if it gets infected the disease is usually mild or subclinical, but they can still shed bacteria.
Leptospirosis Clinical Signs in Dogs-
A) Acute form:
1. Fever, lethargy, anorexia
2. Vomiting, diarrhea
3. Jaundice (icterus)
4. Dehydration, weakness
5. Hemorrhage (petechiae, melena)
B) Renal form:
1. Polyuria and/or polydipsia
2. Azotemia, renal failure
3. Oliguria or anuria
C) Hepatic form:
1. Jaundice, hepatomegaly
2. Elevated liver enzymes
D) Pulmonary form:
1. Dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis (rare but severe)
E) Chronic form:
1. Weight loss, chronic hepatitis, renal insufficiency
**Do understand pets out there are at risk as well so so look out for any symptoms mentioned above and take a immediate consultation with your vet.