FOX 32 NEWS – Veterinarians have issued a warning about a serious bacteria outbreak that could kill your dog.
The bacteria is called “Lepto-spirosis” or “Lepto” for short. It infects dogs by burrowing into their skin. Then, it spreads throughout the dog’s body. The bacteria can also be transmitted to humans. More cases of the bacterial infection are being found in Chicago, especially in the Lake View area. Leptospirosis is spread through rats and if left unfound, can be deadly for dogs.
“While we’re all super excited about 70 degree weather, it is sort of the perfect storm for Leptospirosis exposure,” said Dr. Natalie Marks of Blum Animal Hospital. Doctor Marks says there’s been an uptick of dogs being tested for and contracting Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection spread by the urine of rodents.
“We are unfortunately, the rattiest city in the U.S. We were just given that title. So we have a very high population of rodents. We’ve had unseasonably warm and rainy weather.” Dr. Marks said.
She says that’s the perfect breeding ground for leptospirosis. It’s sprouting up all over the country and now in Chicago.