How common is leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is uncommon in areas where widespread vaccination of dogs is routine. Outbreaks of the disease are still seen from time to time however, because vaccines protect only against the four most prevalent serovars of Leptospira. Leptospirosis is more common in rural, wooded areas.
How common is leptospirosis in dogs in the US?
Identified canine leptospirosis incidences in the USA have ranged from 0.04% in a study of hospital prevalence from 1970–1998 across the USA, to as high as 29% in a study examining tests submitted to the veterinary diagnostic lab in Illinois from 1996 to 2001.
How easy is it for a dog to get leptospirosis?
Dogs typically contract leptospirosis through direct contact with urine from an infected animal. Open sores on the skin can increase the chances of contracting this disease. If your dog swims in, passes through, or drinks infected water, or if they come into contact with infected soil or mud, they are at risk.
Should my dog get the leptospirosis vaccine?
While the leptospirosis vaccine is not currently a required immunization for dogs, it is highly recommended for any dog that commonly goes outside, even just to go to the bathroom in the backyard.
Can a dog still get leptospirosis if vaccinated?
Vaccination does not always prevent infection, but it tends to make the disease much milder if infection occurs. There is the potential for vaccinated dogs that do become infected to become long-term carriers of Leptospirosis.
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