Fort Drum officials say two dogs diagnosed with contagious, potentially fatal disease

 

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Dec. 10, 2020) – The Fort Drum Veterinary Clinic staff recently diagnosed two large dogs residing on post with leptospirosis.

CDC fact-sheet-Leptosporosis.jpgLeptospirosis is a bacterial disease of the kidney, liver, brain, lung or heart contracted by drinking or having contact with water contaminated by urine or body fluids of infected animals or direct exposure to the urine or body fluids of infected animals. Leptospirosis is potentially fatal if not identified early, and it can be transmitted to humans from infected pets.

The best way to protect your pets from infection is to have them vaccinated against leptospirosis. (The infected pets had not been vaccinated.)

Additionally, pet owners should:

  • Walk pets responsibly

  • Make sure pets don’t run off leash

  • Not allow pets to drink from puddles or unfamiliar water

  • Know their pet’s normal behavior

 

Changes in your pet’s appetite and/or behavior could be an indication that something is wrong, and you should contact your veterinarian right away.

If you want to have your pet vaccinated, the Fort Drum Veterinary Clinic will host a drive-up vaccine clinic on Dec. 28. No appointment is necessary; however, pets must be registered with the clinic ahead of time.

For more information about the drive-up vaccine clinic, visit the Vet Clinic’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FortDrumVetClinic.

For additional information about leptospirosis, including symptoms, how it is spread to people, risk factors, and prevention measures, visit https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/resources/leptospirosis-fact-sheet.html.

 

(U.S. Army Medical Department Activity – Fort Drum)