02/01/2026
We have been seeing a worrying rise in leptospirosis cases, including in pets with a vaccination history. If you have pets or look after community animals in India, please read and share to help spread awareness ⤵️
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection, and is typically spread through contaminated water, soil, or contact with infected urine. Because there are multiple strains of Leptospira and immunity can wane over time, 6-monthly vaccination is now strongly recommended (rather than annual boosters).
One of the biggest challenges with leptospirosis is that symptoms can be vague and easily overlooked, especially in the early stages. Some symptoms may include:
- Fever and lethargy
- Vomiting and reduced appetite
- Sudden changes in drinking or urination
- Muscle pain and weakness
Because these signs can overlap with many other possible conditions, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can be life-saving. Patients are susceptible to infection by many leptospiral serovars, with clinical signs ranging from mild, subclinical infection to acute kidney injury, respiratory disease, or death. We have seen this disease present in different forms, including renal (affecting the kidneys: often seen as sudden spikes in creatinine and signs of acute kidney injury), hepatic (affecting the liver: signs of jaundice and liver damage), and pulmonary (affecting the lungs: capable of causing acute respiratory distress, and the most severe form we have seen).
If your pet seems “not quite themselves”, develops sudden vomiting, fever, breathing difficulties, or abnormal blood results, please seek veterinary attention without delay and discuss leptospirosis testing. And above all, do ensure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations against leptospirosis 💉
