Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
THE JAMAICA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) is warning of a possible outbreak of the deadly leptospirosis disease in the Corporate Area.
The association said this was because of a nearly 100 per cent increase in the recent cases of leptospirosis among dogs in Kingston and St. Andrew.
Leptospirosis is a contagious disease in animals, including man, which is primarily transmitted by rats.
"Leptospirosis kills," said senior veterinary surgeon Dr. Paul Turner of the JSPCA. "You can also start seeing blood in the urine and yellowing of the mucous membrane which is called jaundice."
According to the senior veterinarian, over the last six months, there has been a steady four to five weekly cases of canine leptospirosis at the JSPCA clinic in Kingston.
"Before, we normally had one or two cases per year," Dr. Turner said. "This is caused by the high infestation of rats and the lack of pest control for them."
He added: "If this continues, what seems to be a potential outbreak will be an outbreak."
According to him, dogs can contract leptospirosis either through rat bites or by eating or drinking rat-contaminated food.
Dr. Turner told The Gleaner that persons with leptospirosis symptoms should immediately visit their doctors, while persons owning dogs with the symptoms should also immediately take them to the vet.
ENSURE PETS HAVE UP-TO-DATE VACCINATIONS
In a release issued yesterday, the JSPCA advised pet owners to ensure that their dogs/puppies have up-to-date vaccinations, as this would help prevent the spread of leptospirosis and animal loss.
Additionally, the JSPCA said pet owners should use protective covering on their hands when handling pets suspected of having leptospirosis.
The senior veterinarian disclosed that the dogs suspected of having leptospirosis have already been killed.
"Once you have a suspected case you kill the dogs because you don't want an outbreak," he said.
Meanwhile, persons owning dogs with signs of leptospirosis can call the JSPCA at 929-0320 or 929-4095.
