Latest news with #leptospirosis
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussie pet owners warned over hidden risk after four dogs die within a week
Pet owners on the east coast are being warned to be on alert amid a spike in cases of a nasty disease that can kill dogs if left untreated. Four have reportedly died in the space of just days this week. The four dogs died in the NSW Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions as a result of canine leptospirosis — a serious bacterial disease spread through contaminated water. Humans can contract it, and it's known to be fatal in dogs if not detected early. It targets vital organs — most commonly the liver and kidneys — leading to potentially lethal complications, said Dr Bing Zhu, Internal Medicine Specialist at SASH Bladder and Kidney Centre. In an interview with Yahoo News, she explained that symptoms in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, lethargy, muscle tenderness, and in severe cases, jaundice or kidney failure. She said leptospirosis is most commonly spread through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. What is leptospirosis, and how does it spread? Zhu warned the disease is more common in warmer, wetter climates, especially following periods of heavy rainfall. Vaccination is available and strongly recommended in high-risk areas. "If I saw my dog walking along and there was a puddle on the ground, especially in an area that had rodents, I wouldn't let them drink from it," she said. "I'd try to discourage it. But at the same time, you can't clean every single surface. They're going to go on the grass — rats are going to pee on the grass as well — so you can't completely avoid exposure. "The best thing that pet owners can do is make sure their dogs are vaccinated." Vaccination is not going to stop the disease from taking hold, Zhu said. However, it can significantly reduce how sick they get from it. "So it means that if they're vaccinated, they might be in the hospital for a few days with antibiotics," she said. "But if they're unvaccinated, they might go into really bad kidney failure, where you need dialysis to survive. That's the difference between being vaccinated versus not. "Take your pets to the vet earlier — don't wait. If your pet's unwell, especially in the rainy season, and you've got rodents around, don't wait a week or two of them being off-colour." Zhu recommended requesting a blood test if the dog has been off for a day or two. "The earlier you get this disease diagnosed and start antibiotics, the better chance you have of essentially getting through without anything major," she said. The specialist said that while leptospirosis isn't considered a common illness, it is present across much of Australia and tends to appear in seasonal spikes, coming in waves, often during rainy periods. "When rainwater collects and dogs sniff, lick, or flick at the ground, that's when cases start to rise," she said. At her clinic alone, Zhu estimates they treat between five and 10 cases a year, noting that many more are diagnosed at other veterinary hospitals. "It's not something we should dismiss as rare,' she said. 'It's uncommon and unfortunate, but any vet seeing a dog with kidney failure should have it high on the list of things to test for." What is the survival rate among dogs? In Australia, while official data on canine leptospirosis outcomes may still be limited, Zhu said information shared within the veterinary community suggests the fatality rate could be as high as 80 to 90 per cent. She said that many dogs are euthanised, often because the disease is detected too late, or they've progressed to a dialysis-dependent state. In some cases, dogs are treated with IV fluids but without a full understanding of how to manage kidney failure effectively. Zhu said excessive IV fluids can actually worsen the condition, pushing dogs into dialysis dependence. "Ideally, the moment a dog shows signs of illness, they should be taken to a vet," she said. Pet owner's warning after common mishap leaves dog fighting for life Aussie vet's stark warning to pet owners after 'terrifying' spike in cases Aussie woman's desperate $20,000 act to save beloved cat "Even the slightest changes in bloodwork should prompt a referral to a specialist — even if treatment isn't pursued there, early intervention improves the chances of recovery." She added that the cost of dialysis remains a major barrier. "Many of these dogs could survive if we had the resources to support them through dialysis, but the financial burden (around $30,000) is just too much for most families in today's economy." Yahoo News Australia has contacted the Southern NSW Local Health District for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Malay Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Got rats? MPAJ offers to pay RM3 for each at Pekan Ampang market
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10— The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has launched a campaign offering cash rewards to those who catch rats at Pasar Pekan Ampang and surrounding areas. The initiative, held in collaboration with the local Zone 8 Residents' Committee, is part of efforts to curb the spread of rat-borne diseases such as leptospirosis. Under the 'Kempen Basmi Tikus MPAJ', participants will receive RM3 for each rat caught during the campaign period. MPAJ said the effort aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goals on good health and sustainable communities. Cash redemption counters will operate from 9.30am to 12.00pm between July 8 and 25 at the Pasar Pekan Ampang compound. Participation is open to traders operating in and around the Ampang market area.
CBS News
21-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Rats in Boston may be spreading potentially deadly disease, Tufts University study says
Tufts study says rats in Boston could be spreading potentially deadly disease Tufts study says rats in Boston could be spreading potentially deadly disease Tufts study says rats in Boston could be spreading potentially deadly disease Rats in Boston may be spreading a potentially deadly disease, according to a Tufts University study. The disease is called leptospirosis, which is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira. It is typically found in tropical areas, but a link has been found between rats and leptospirosis in other urban areas. Researchers worked on the study for six years, testing different brown rats from the Boston area, including the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common. They found that most rat populations in Boston carry the disease-causing bacteria, which can infect both humans and animals. Researchers warn that the disease's prevalence is expected to increase with climate change. Leptospirosis is typically spread through direct exposure to urine or a "urine-contaminated environment, which then can serve as an infection source for additional rats and other mammals, including humans," the study says. Leptospirosis can be spread through contact with water, soil, and eating food that has been contaminated with animal urine. The bacteria can survive in both water and soil for months. There are around one million cases of leptospirosis in humans around the world every year, and around 60,000 deaths, according to the CDC. Symptoms of leptospirosis Leptospirosis can be deadly if not treated, causing organ failure, trouble breathing, and death, the CDC says. Symptoms of the disease include: Fever Headache Chills Body aches Rash Diarrhea or vomiting Jaundice Red eyes Seek treatment immediately if you think you may have been infected with leptospirosis. Here are some recommended ways to prevent infection: Avoid contact with potentially infected animals Cover any open wounds, including cuts and scratches Wear waterproof clothing and shoes near floodwater or infected soil Research leptospirosis cases if you intend to go swimming A vaccine for leptospirosis is available in the United States for both cats and dogs. If you are concerned that your pet may have contracted the disease, visit the CDC website for more information.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Rat-borne diseases cause crisis in Sarajevo
Health experts blame a failure to control Sarajevo's rodent population for an alarming rise in the number of cases of rat-borne diseases. In just one 24 hour period this week, the country's largest hospital reported a dozen cases of leptospirosis. That follows a steady stream of other infections earlier in the month. One of the disease's nicknames, rat fever, reflects its key vector of infection. It generally spreads to humans through water or soil contaminated with rodent urine or faeces. Symptoms can range from headaches and muscle pain to bleeding on the lungs. The acute form of the illness, Weil's disease, can cause jaundice and even kidney failure. The local authorities in Sarajevo have declared an epidemic, allowing the imposition of emergency measures, including a long overdue clean-up. Extra municipal workers armed with disinfectant sprays have been deployed to carry out an urban "spring clean" in public areas across the city, while additional rubbish collections are being arranged. Schools have been directed to clean their playgrounds, mow any grass areas and check their basements for rats. The current all-action approach is a stark contrast to the laissez-faire situation of the past two years, during which there were no pest control measures in Sarajevo at all. Officials blame a botched tender process for extermination and sanitation work, which has allowed the city to go to the rats – and, for that matter, the dogs, as packs of strays are also a common sight around the capital. Sarajevo Canton Health Minister Enis Hasanovic described the situation as "not a health crisis, but a communal crisis", due to local authorities failing to fulfil essential municipal hygiene requirements. But a former director of the Sarajevo's University Clinical Centre, Sebija Izetbegović, believes the health situation could deteriorate further. Now a member of Sarajevo Canton Assembly, she points out that "well-fed rats" are currently so numerous in the city that "we can also expect hantavirus". In one respect at least, Sarajevo has been lucky. Left untreated, leptospirosis can be deadly, with a mortality rate of more than 50% for people who suffer from severe bleeding of the lungs. But so far none of the cases reported in the current epidemic have been serious.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Rats thrive in Sarajevo as rising diseases cause crisis
In Sarajevo it is, once again, the Year of the media posts from residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital have shown an abundance of rodents swimming in the Miljacka river which flows through the centre of the long accustomed to poor public services have also posted photos of overflowing rubbish containers and illegal dumping – along with complaints that the authorities have failed to clear away dead animals from public areas including children's all makes for a wonderful environment for rats to thrive. For humans, however, the picture is rather less rosy. Health experts blame a failure to control Sarajevo's rodent population for an alarming rise in the number of cases of rat-borne diseases. In just one 24 hour period this week, the country's largest hospital reported a dozen cases of leptospirosis. That follows a steady stream of other infections earlier in the of the disease's nicknames, rat fever, reflects its key vector of infection. It generally spreads to humans through water or soil contaminated with rodent urine or can range from headaches and muscle pain to bleeding on the lungs. The acute form of the illness, Weil's disease, can cause jaundice and even kidney local authorities in Sarajevo have declared an epidemic, allowing the imposition of emergency measures, including a long overdue municipal workers armed with disinfectant sprays have been deployed to carry out an urban "spring clean" in public areas across the city, while additional rubbish collections are being arranged. Schools have been directed to clean their playgrounds, mow any grass areas and check their basements for current all-action approach is a stark contrast to the laissez-faire situation of the past two years, during which there were no pest control measures in Sarajevo at all. Officials blame a botched tender process for extermination and sanitation work, which has allowed the city to go to the rats – and, for that matter, the dogs, as packs of strays are also a common sight around the Canton Health Minister Enis Hasanovic described the situation as "not a health crisis, but a communal crisis", due to local authorities failing to fulfil essential municipal hygiene a former director of the Sarajevo's University Clinical Centre, Sebija Izetbegović, believes the health situation could deteriorate further. Now a member of Sarajevo Canton Assembly, she points out that "well-fed rats" are currently so numerous in the city that "we can also expect hantavirus".In one respect at least, Sarajevo has been lucky. Left untreated, leptospirosis can be deadly, with a mortality rate of more than 50% for people who suffer from severe bleeding of the so far none of the cases reported in the current epidemic have been serious.
