Several cases of the bacterial disease “leptospirosis” have been confirmed in the country. The disease is fatal and can affect both humans and dogs. In Sweden, the infection is uncommon among humans but more common among small rodents and dogs, writes The Express.
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Several cases of the disease have been confirmed. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT
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Spread increases this time of year
In October, veterinarians warned of the spread of the disease among dogs after an increased number of cases were confirmed. So far, several cases have been discovered in Gothenburg, writes Gothenburg Post.
“The warning we issued is general for this period of the year, when we often see an increased number of cases,” writes Emma Lindblad Åströmchief medical veterinarian at Anicura Västra Animal Hospital, in an email to the newspaper.
Anicura Västra Animal Hospital has had one confirmed case and strong suspicions of three additional cases during the autumn. In the three suspected cases, the dogs died before sampling could be done.
Blå Stjärnan’s animal hospital in Gothenburg has also had an acute case, writes GP.
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You should never let the dog do this outdoors
According to The Public Health Authority the disease can be transmitted between animals and humans and the infection is mainly spread via urine from infected animals through direct contact, water or wet soil.
Linda Rudalicensed veterinarian and clinic manager at Blå Stjärnan’s animal hospital, whom GP spoke to, gives his advice to dog owners.
– Dogs must not drink from puddles! If you are in a big city in environments where there are a lot of dogs and rats: vaccinate! It is money well invested, in addition to tick prophylaxis and basic vaccination, she says.
If you suspect that your dog is infected, you should contact a veterinarian.
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Never let the dog drink from puddles! Photo: Eric Risberg/TT
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