Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with bacterial spirochetes of the genus Leptospira🦠.
There are many serovars of leptospira and the vaccines in hong kong usually only protect 2 to 4 serovars. Unfortunately there are no cross-protection between them therefore even fully vaccinated animal can get infected. 😕
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Leptospiral organisms prefer warm, moist, alkaline environments.💧 They are more likely to be found in stagnant or slow-moving water. Although they do not replicate outside of the host, they can remain viable for months in optimal environments❗️
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Peak incidence in dogs occurs during summer time, especially follows periods of heavy rainfall or flooding ⛈☔️
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Animals can become directly infected through contact with infected urine, placental transfer; through bite wounds and ingestion of infected tissues. Indirect transmission can also occur through exposure to contaminated water sources, soil or food. Leptospires can penetrate mucous membranes, wet or macerated skin, and broken skin.👨⚕️