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Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease of dogs, multiple animalspecies and humans that occurs in countries around the world, including theUnited States. Once a disease that primarily affected dogs living in ruralareas, leptospirosis is now considered a threat to dogs in suburban and urbansettings, perhaps due to increased opportunity for contact with wildlife(1), acommon carrier of leptospirosis. It is spread through the urine of aninfected animal and most dogs that venture outdoors are at risk forleptospirosis.
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The new section on leptoinfo.com is specifically designed to help educatedog owners and answer many common questions about leptospirosis. While on thesite, dog owners can find out how to protect their dogs, information about thedisease, signs of illness, prevention strategies and a list of frequentlyasked questions.
"Many pet owners are unaware of the serious danger leptospirosis poses todogs or that any dog that spends time outdoors could be susceptible," says TomLenz, DVM, MS, DACT, Vice President of Professional Services, Fort DodgeAnimal Health. "I encourage all dog owners to speak with their veterinarianabout this disease, as it can be prevented through vaccination."
In addition to information about how leptospirosis can affect dogs, thesite helps educate pet owners about the risks the disease can pose to humans."As the risks of leptospirosis continue to increase, so does the need foreducation, especially among dog owners who may not be aware leptospirosis isnot only a threat to their dog, but to their family as well," says Dr. Lenz.
About Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial disease spread by wildlife anddomestic animals. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed fromanimals to people. All breeds and sizes of dogs are at risk. Commonleptospirosis carriers include raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, rats andother dogs. Livestock can also carry the disease. Leptospirosis should beconsidered if a dog has a fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and/orlethargy. Early recognition is important for a full recovery.
About Fort Dodge Animal Health
Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth is a leading manufacturerand distributor of animal health products for the companion animal, equine,livestock, swine and poultry industries in North America and internationalmarkets. As a committed partner to veterinary practitioners and animal ownersworldwide, Fort Dodge is making a difference through innovative research andproduct development that address current and emerging animal health needs.Key products include West Nile-Innovator(R) and the Innovator(R) combinationvaccines, the Duramune(R) and Fel-O-Vax(R) vaccine lines, CYDECTIN(R), thePyramid(R) and Triangle(R) vaccine lines, and Quest(R) Gel. Wyeth's majordivisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and FortDodge Animal Health.
References
(1) Michael P. Ward, Lynn F. Guptill, Ching Ching Wu. Evaluation ofenvironmental risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs: 36 cases (1997-2002).JAVMA, Vol. 225, No. 1, July 1, 2004.
SOURCE Wyeth
