Infected dog prompts vaccination warning

Jersey's States vet has advised dog owners to have their pets vaccinated after one was infected with a potentially fatal disease.

It follows New Era Veterinary Hospital announcing a case of leptospirosis had been confirmed in an unvaccinated dog on the island.

The hospital said the bacterial infection can affect both animals and humans.

Jersey's States vet Susana Ramos said cases were "relatively infrequent" but are seen occasionally.

Ramos said: "The best way to prevent leptospirosis in dogs is to vaccinate. Please discuss vaccination with your private vet."

Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals, including rats, and dogs can become infected through contaminated water or soil.

The illness can be serious and in some cases fatal, with symptoms in dogs including vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, loss of appetite and increased thirst.

Ramos said outbreaks were often associated with heavy rainfall and flooding because the infection was commonly transmitted through water contaminated with urine.

She added leptospirosis in animals was not a notifiable or reportable disease in Jersey, meaning cases do not have to be reported to the government.

The UK Health Security Agency said humans can become infected through direct exposure to animal urine or contaminated environments, although transmission from one person to another is rare.

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