Leptospirosis: Protect Yourself and Your Pet

What is Leptospirosis?

lepto photoLeptospirosis is a potentially zoonotic bacterial disease, defined as a disease spread from animals to people.  Most human cases occur from wildlife sources such as raccoons, squirrels, foxes, skunks, opossums, coyotes and rats whose urine has contaminated standing water or soil.  Direct transmission from pets to people is uncommon but has been reported, usually from pet rats.  The bacteria penetrates mucous membranes or abraded skin. Continue…