In some areas of the US, we hear and know very little about leptospirosis. Vets in dry climates may not even include it in the vaccinations. You should make that decision with your vet based on the risk and the health of your pets. However, situations can change and may require a change in your pet’s healthcare.
Floods and storms can cause risks that are not normal for your area. The same thing can happen when you travel to areas that have very different climates from your home. For example, my vet told me that a friend of his in Florida vaccinates his dog for leptospirosis every six months. Yet, in Arizona, leptospirosis (lepto) is not a standard part of any of the combination vaccines.
The reasoning here is sound. There is a risk with any vaccine, and most of us no longer view vaccinations with a more is better attitude. On the other hand, that makes it even more important to talk your vet before embarking on any type of trip to an area that has suffered heavy rains and flooding or has a very wet climate and lots of water. It also means that handlers of rescue dogs need to confer with vets about the areas where there dogs may be used.
What most of us don’t realize is that people can get this disease too. That’s right! So click on the link to the article and read about the disease, symptoms, and possible sources of exposure. Although the article is from India, it applies to the same situations in any area with similar conditions.
Have a purr-fectly pawsitive day!
The Philippines, Vietnam and other Southeast Asia countries were hit by a very strong typhoon Ketsana around end of September. In Metro Manila specifically, countless pets/animals were injured, left homeless or died because of the floods. There were also some who survived and were rescued, thank God. The info here on vaccination is very helpful for future storms. Thanks!