high risk disease
Prevent Leptospira Infection
Leptospira is a bacterium that is spread primarily through mouse urine. Commonly found in suburban and urban fringe parks. Rainwater will wash rat urine from the grass on the top of Victoria Peak to streams and waterways in Mid-Levels and Pok Fu Lam. Areas commonly infected with leptospirosis in Hong Kong include Mid-levels, Pok Fu Lam and Sai Kung districts. According to past cases, many dogs become infected with leptospirosis because they play near these streams or drink the water, and their owners mistakenly believe that the flowing water is safe.
Risks of Leptospira Infection
Without prompt medical attention, Leptospira infection can lead to severe liver and kidney failure. Symptoms are not obvious in the early stages of the disease, with occasional vomiting and diarrhea occurring. However, by the time symptoms of liver and kidney failure appear, the dog's health condition may already be very serious. Although antibiotics kill the germs quickly, Leptospira can cause irreversible and permanent damage to body organs.
Methods to prevent leptospirosis
The good news is that leptospirosis can be prevented with a vaccine. All dogs living in affected areas or walking on trails should be vaccinated. There are currently two vaccines to prevent leptospirosis in Hong Kong:
- DHPPiL ( G6 ) vaccine : Dogs are vaccinated once a year, but this vaccine is not effective in preventing Leptospira in Hong Kong.
- Leptovax 4 vaccine : protects against multiple serotypes of Leptospira. After dogs are vaccinated with Leptovax 4 vaccine, they can produce antibodies and improve their ability to fight against Leptospira. Although infection is still possible after vaccination, the chance of infection is much lower than in unvaccinated dogs.
Precautions in daily life
The most effective preventive measure is to prevent dogs from playing in streams or drinking stream water. Owners should train dogs to avoid drinking from streams and use a leash when near streams. Bring your own supply of clean drinking water for your dog when you go out.
Beware of potential infections
If your dog has played or drank from a stream and has unusual urine color, or if the owner suspects that the dog is infected with leptospirosis, please contact the veterinarian as soon as possible and inform the dog of the dog’s activity history. Because the early symptoms of leptospirosis are not obvious, diagnosis may be difficult, so you should not take it lightly when infection is suspected.
Regular vaccinations, avoiding potential sources of infection, and monitoring your dog's health are key measures to protect your dog from Leptospira infection. Always monitor your dog's health and communicate with your veterinarian to ensure their optimal health.