LEPTOSPIROSIS VACCINE SHORTAGE
Due to a production issue in the United States, the Leptospirosis vaccine availability has been patchy nationally sInce September 2023, although supply has certainly improved from mid 2024.
New Leptospirosis Vaccine recommendations have also been made for 2024 – please see below for full details.
The main preventions are to avoid exposure to rats or areas frequented by rats, and prevent dogs from drinking or playing in stagnant water and mud.
WHAT IS IT?
Leptospirosis can cause a severe and often fatal bacterial infection in dogs. The primary risk factor is exposure to rats or areas frequented by rats.
Humans can also become infected either through contact with rat urine or via an infected dog.
WHERE IS IT?
2023 – there were 15 recorded cases – South Coast (Albion Park, Falls Creek, Tomerong, Huskisson), Southern Highlands (Robertson), Inner South (Redfern, Waterloo), Eastern Suburbs (Clovelly, Bondi Junction, Randwick, Paddington).
NO CASES REPORTED ON THE LOWER NORTH SHORE.
2022 – the majority of cases were reported in the Shoalhaven area of the South Coast. A further hotspot occured around Newcastle. In May 2022 a case was confirmed in Ingelside on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
2021 – a case was confirmed in the Narrabeen/Elanora Heights, Northern Beaches.
2020 – suburbs involved were Paddington, Balmain, Newtown, Artarmon and Crows Nest.
Previously case clusters had been localised to the Inner West suburbs of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Glebe and Redfern.
HOW DO DOGS BECOME INFECTED?
Dogs can become infected through:
- contact with rat urine
- contact with water or soil contaminated with rat urine
- seeking out and eating rats.
HOW CAN WE AVOID INFECTION?
Ways to prevent infection include:
- avoiding exposure to rats or areas frequented by rats
- preventing dogs from drinking or playing in stagnant water and mud
- Leptospirosis vaccination if indicated.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS?
The updated 2024 recommendation from The University of Sydney is for vaccination against Leptospirosis in dogs which are:
- living or frequently visiting areas in the SOUTH COAST.
- living or frequently visiting suburbs in the INNER WEST or INNER SOUTH of SYDNEY.
- living or frequently visiting the EASTERN SUBURBS of SYDNEY.
- or in contact with rats.
In dogs vaccination involves two doses of vaccine in the initial course 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual booster vacinations.
