Dogs in Cagayan de Oro contract leptospirosis too

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—The city veterinarian’s office is vaccinating dogs against leptospirosis after 15 canines were found to have contracted the potentially deadly ailment in the aftermath of the December 17 floods here.

Nine of the infected animals have died,  veterinarian Lucian Anthony Acac said.

The city health office conducted a similar vaccination campaign for humans after nearly 200 people were found to have contracted the ailment, caused by the  leptospira bacteria, which can be found in the feces and urine of rats and other animals and thrive in floodwaters.

The bacteria enter the human body through breaks in the skin, or wounds, that come in contact with contaminated water. Death is caused by massive organ failure.

Acac said that the vaccine given to dogs is different from that for humans.

Acac said free vaccination of dogs was being done in the barangays of Macasandig, Consolacion, Balulang, Kauswagan, and the Calaanan Tent City, which houses many families displaced by the floods.

“This is part of a campaign to prevent the spread of leptospirosis in the city,” he said.

Like rats, which are the common carriers of the leptospira bacteria, dogs can also transmit the illness to humans, Acac said.

Acac said close contact with infected dogs and other animals could cause a person to catch the illness.

“If humans with cuts or wounds get in contact with the urine of infected dogs, the leptospira bacteria will be transmitted,” Anne Concepcion, another veterinarian, said.

She said the problem is that dogs can still be carriers for months even if they have been treated, but it is still better to make sure they do not become carriers by giving them the vaccine.

“We are taking preventive measures so that these animals will not transmit the bacteria to humans,” Acac said.