In its latest health advisory, the Department of Health includes information about leptospirosis.
This is a bacterial disease that is spread through the urine of infected animals such as pigs, rats, dogs, and cats,
With recent heavy rains DOH cautions the public to be cautious of contaminated water or soil. Children are at risk of leptospiroris if they play in streams and muddy water during and after the rain.
All pet /animal owners should take extra precautionary measures when handling animals.
Use gloves and closed shoes when handling or feeding animals.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling pets and make sure they are vaccinated at the veterinary clinic to prevent the spread of leptospirosis from animals to people.
Just a few weeks ago the acting head of the Veterinary Clinic at the Dept of Agriculture Tanya Tarasaya sounded an alarm bell about leptosirosis being spread by rats. She said they’re seeing an outbreak of leptospirosis among dogs being seen at the clinic.
