A rare bacterial infection that can be fatal to dogs is on the rise in New Brunswick.
Veterinarians in the Maritimes say dog owners should watch for signs of leptospirosis, an infection which in extreme cases can be lethal to the animals.
Dr. Peter Foley of the Atlantic Veterinary College says the two most common strains were well under control on the continent after a vaccination program that ended about 15 years ago.
But four new strains have emerged in Hawaii, across the United States and in Canada, with New Brunswick being the hardest hit among the Atlantic provinces.
Dr. Foley says there has been a significant increase in the number of cases, especially last fall.
They've been popping up in Nova Scotia and PEI, but mostly in New Brunswick.
Dr. James Goltz, manager of veterinary laboratory services for the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, said he knows of 15 or 16 suspected cases in the province over the last year. He said there are also increased cases in Ontario, Quebec and the northeastern U.S.
The disease has more than 200 strains and dogs can exhibit many levels of symptoms, from mild loss of appetite to vomiting, diarrhea, jaundiced eyes and, in severe cases, death.
Infected dogs spread the bacteria through their urine and uninfected dogs can pick it up by drinking from water puddles where infected dogs have been.
The disease can be spread to humans, said Dr. Goltz, through contact with infected fluids.
Medical reports say leptospirosis symptoms in humans are rarely serious in North America although some fatalities have been reported in tropical countries, usually in the wake of natural disasters. Several deaths thought to be linked to leptospirosis were reported in countries hit by last year's tsunami off Indonesia.
Dr. Foley and Dr. Goltz say dog owners should decide whether or not to vaccinate on the advice of their vet.
