Leptospirosis outbreak in Bay Area sparks concerns in LA – NBC Los Angeles

As veterinarians are sounding the alarm about leptospirosis, a highly contagious bacterial disease, among dogs in the Bay Area, clinicians and pet owners are becoming wary of a possible outbreak, especially the same illness sickened and killed many animals in Southern California few years ago.

Leptospirosis, commonly referred to as lepto, can lead to a range of symptoms, including muscles aches, organ damage. In rare areas, it can be spread to humans.

“We had a bad outbreak in 2001 and since then, continue to see sporadic cases in the area,” Dr. Julio Lopez with the Village Vet said.

There was a relatively smaller outbreak among dogs in LA County in July 2021 through early 2022 when hundreds of dogs became sick, and at least a dozen died.

Leptospira, the bacteria that causes leptospirosis, is found in wet soil and standing water. Dogs can be exposed at dog parks, day care or while hiking.

“With all the wildife that we have in the area, (there are) rats and other dogs that may have lepto and carriers that we are not aware of,” Lopez said. “Ff there’s infected urine mixed with water, your pup is going to sniff and lick a little bit of it. It just take a little bit of it to cause an infection.”

The Bay Area outbreak also involves homeless encampments where the housed have companion dogs. The scenario is possible in Los Angeles, according to Jane Sykes of UC Davis Veterinary Medicine.

“That’s the main problem that occurs in dogs when they develop the disease and same in people who get sick with leptospirosis, their kidneys can fail,” Skyes warned.

Leptospirosis is preventable by vaccinating your dogs and making sure canine companions avoid contact with floodwater, standing water or muddy run-off.