So what’s the go with Canine Lepto?

Leptospirosis (“lepto”) is a serious bacterial disease that’s on our radar again locally. 

It’s spread in urine, most commonly from rats and mice 🐀, but also other wildlife, feral pigs and livestock. Dogs get exposed through contaminated water, mud, yards, feed areas and sheds – all where working dogs spend their time.

In 2025 there were 16 confirmed canine lepto cases across NSW 📊, primarily on the coast but also from inland regional areas including one at Coolah in October. There are likely to be more undiagnosed cases that are not reported.  

What does lepto look like? 👀

Early signs can be vague – lethargy, off food, vomiting or diarrhoea. It can progress quickly to kidney failure, jaundice and collapse 🚨. It’s also a zoonotic disease, meaning people can catch it from infected dogs 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, so good routine hygiene is imperative. 

Vaccination options 💉

The newer Nobivac Lepto 2 vaccine covers the two key strains currently causing disease in NSW: Copenhageni and Australis/Bratislava. For dogs that haven’t had lepto vaccination before, this requires an initial two-dose course, then yearly boosters 📅. We aren’t routinely stocking this vaccine yet but can organise it by order. It can be done in conjunction with parvo vaccination. 

Key practical steps on farm 

    •    Control rats and mice around sheds, feed rooms and houses

    •    Avoid letting dogs drink from stagnant water, dams or puddles where possible 💦

    •    Be extra cautious during wet periods OR vermin plagues when lepto risk is higher

If your farm dog is unwell with Lepto like signs, early veterinary treatment is important.