Dogsey

Leptospirosis is commonly vaccinated against in continental Europe, I've never encountered a case though.

That's why we vaccinate against it. Known as Weils disease in humans isn't it? A bloke my husband works with ended up in hospital with it last year, they wear gloves when handling food waste etc ( Tesco HGV drivers) but rats get everywhere no matter what they do.

Apparently around 40 people a year get it in the uk, mainly sewage workers, travellers who swim in rivers (didn't know that was exclusive to travellers) etc etc

My neighbours dog died of lepto after being bitten by a rat His organs shut down, it was a horrible drawn out process.

Same as Weil's I think. Not common in UK.

There are two forms of Leptospirosis - Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae. Both are covered by the multiple vaccines, but should be boostered annually. Lately, many vets are recommending a three year booster protocol, and it is possible that this is providing an opportunity for these conditions to reappear.

We have a 3 year protocol have done for ages but lepto is still done annually.

Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans. Is not common though, neither are canine cases here in Atlanta.

Must say, from what my vet told me, it cannot be transmitted through the bite of a rat... but only via water infected with rat urine (or other vermin). So that is the first I've heard of rat BITES causing it.

Yes that was my understanding too Myra. The reference to water being an exception I found a bit puzzling.