A bacteria spread between dogs is affecting pets across Maricopa County. Arizona health officials said they see maybe four cases of Leptospirosis a year, however, there have been more than 50 since last February.
The “Lepto” bacteria is spread though bodily fluids and can live in wet soil for months.
Rebecca Sunenshine with Maricopa Public Health said dog owners need to stay vigilant.
“Since we don’t know where the Lepto is coming from, and we know that it can be in natural bodies of water and that infected rodents can carry it outside, it’s very difficult to keep your pet away from drinking and swimming in natural water," Sunenshine said. "And we don’t want to keep our pets indoors.”
She said Lepto can spread when dogs have had a lot of contact with one another at boarding facilities and doggy daycare.
There is a vaccination to help protect your pet.
Symptoms of Lepto are fatigue and lack of appetite.
