News
2 December, 2025
Dog owners warned about the dangers of Leptospirosis
Local pet owners are being warned about the dangers of Leptospirosis – a severe and often fatal bacterial infection in dogs – with a number of fatal cases reported across NSW this year, including one in the Southern Highlands.
Local pet owners are being warned about the dangers of Leptospirosis – a severe and often fatal bacterial infection in dogs – with a number of fatal cases reported across NSW this year, including one in the Southern Highlands.
According to the Mittagong Veterinary Hospital, based on information provided by the Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UVTHS), there has been a significant increase in Leptospirosis cases over the past few months.
While there were no cases reported between January and May, there were four cases in June – including one from Bundanoon – and all four infected dogs died.
Another 10 cases were reported from July to October with only one of the 10 dogs recovering.
While none of those cases were reported locally, they were in areas including Sydney and the South Coast where local dog owners may travel.
As a result the UHVTS has recommended vaccination against leptospirosis for dogs in a range of areas, including the Southern Highlands.
The leptospirosis infection can develop rapidly in dogs and is spread by rats urinating in puddles and stagnant water.
High rainfall can increase spread of the disease and fatality rates in in vaccinated dogs are considered high.
The disease is also considered ‘zoonotic’ which means it can spread from dogs to humans and from rodents to humans.
Dog owners are advised to:
· Never allow their dog to drink from stagnant water, ponds, paddles or creeks;
· Never leave water bowls outside overnight or attended;
· Never let dogs drink from communal water bowls;
· Keep rodent populations under control at home;
· Avoid places where dogs congregrate in areas where there have been active cases.
Symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs may include fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and increased thirst and urination.
According to NSW Health, common initial symptoms of leptospirosis in humans can include fever, sever headache, sore muscles, chills, vomiting and red eyes.
Symptoms can come on suddenly and can mimic other diseases (such as influenza) can make diagnosis different.
Severe leptospirosis in humans can result in hospitalisation and potentially death.
Those people considered particularly at risk include:
· Anyone who drinks from potentially contaminated water sources including floodwater, streams, rivers or unsafe tap water;
· People who bathe or wade in floodwater or contaminated fresh water;
· People who eat food that has been exposed to food that has been contaminated on by rodents.
More information is available online at www.health.nsw.gov.au
Read More: Mittagong, Southern Highlands, Bundanoon