Leptospirosis Update 10th Sep 2020
2020 has been an eventful year to say the least. From our recent updates from University of Sydney and North Shore Veterinary Specialist, the leptospirosis outbreak is still very current. Endemic areas reported in Sydney include Surry Hills, Balmain, Crows Nest, Newton, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Glebe and Paddington. UVTHS have recommended vaccination for our dog residents within a 5 kilometre radius of suburbs with a reported positive case or if there are active contact with vermin or nearby livestock.
While we don’t wish to be an alarmist, this disease is zoonotic (meaning we can become infected as well with similar severity) and it is known that the mortality rate for this disease is extremely high with no reported surviving patients within our Sydney cases. It may be extrapolated that patients whom survive a clinical infection may have ongoing health issues as the body function may not recovery fully. For our cat members, our clinical understanding is that they are more resilient to the disease but may still be non-clinical carriers.
Due to these primary concerns, our position falls in favour with the Leptospirosis vaccination for your dog if you fit such criteria and provided your dog does not suffer from an uncontrolled autoimmune disease or severe disease process such as malignant cancer. The Leptospirosis vaccination is a single serovar within Australia, unlike overseas formulation of 4 serovars. Like any vaccination, it will stimulate the immune system and will require a booster if it is the first vaccine received. While most fit enough individuals tolerate the vaccine, uncommon adverse reactions may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling or pain. If you are unsure for the risk:benefit of this vaccination or need guidance as if your dog’s lifestyle fits the criteria, please consider a discussion with your veterinary team or an appointment with your veterinarian.
In our dogs, Leptospirosis can mirror other non-specific signs of ill-thrift, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea or elevations in body temperature (“feverish”). Unfortunately, clinical infection can then progress to liver and kidney failure as rapidly as 24 hours. Infection is commonly acquired with direct contact with rats and vermin, indirect contact then ingestion of contaminated water or soil sources.
While there are recommended diagnostic tests as to confirm for Leptospirosis, an antibody titre test alternative to annual vaccinations has proven more non-logistical. Reason being is to consider a two-step staging process for the micro-agglutination antibody test and the laboratory turn-around time is approximately 1 week, which is presents a period of uncertainty and associated risks. From human and animal studies, we may extrapolate that vaccine is unable to trigger a strong memory from the immune system and an annual booster is a recommendation amidst outbreak and higher risk individuals.
Please note that our recommendations for the Leptospirosis vaccination is fluid with the changing climate of this outbreak, which is unprecedented for Sydney.
