Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that infects most species of mammals. It is generally transmitted through the urine of infected animals, including deer, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, opossums, domestic dogs, and livestock. Cats rarely carry the disease. The most common source of leptospirosis infections in domestic pets is rat urine (Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, 2018).

Can humans get leptospirosis from deer?

Humans can contract leptospirosis - however transmission from wildlife to people is relatively rare. Transmission typically occurs through contact with the urine of infected animals, or through water, soil, or food contaminated with infected urine. The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection (CDC, 2015). Wearing gloves when cleaning up any animal feces and washing your hands thoroughly after handling anything that could be contaminated with animal urine can help to protect you from exposure to the disease (Washington State Department of Health, n.d).

Can pets get leptospirosis from deer?

White-tailed deer are one of many wildlife species that can carry leptospirosis. Therefore deer urine can pose a risk of disease transmission. However, the risk in suburban area is greatest from rats, so managing your yard to reduce rat presence is an important method for protecting against leptospirosis (CDC, 2015). Dogs are the pets most commonly affected by the disease. Leptospirosis in cats is rare and appears to be mild. Common risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs include exposure to or drinking from rivers, lakes or streams, exposure to potentially infected wildlife or farm animals, and contact with rodents or other dogs. Dogs can become infected with leptospirosis if their mucous membranes (or skin with any wound) come into contact with infected urine or urine-contaminated soil, water, food or bedding, through a bite from an infected animal, or by eating infected tissues or carcasses (AMVA, n.d.). A vaccination against leptospirosis is available for dogs, although it is not completely effective. Leptospirosis can be spread from dogs to humans through infected urine. Owners of dogs that could be exposed to leptospirosis should use precautions, such as washing hands after handling anything that may have come in contact with dog urine (NYSDEC, 2011).

References:

AVMA, n.d. Leptospirosis. Accessed at https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis

CDC, 2015. Leptospirosis. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/index.html

Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, 2018. Leptospirosis. Accessed at https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/leptospirosis#collapse3

NYSDEC, 2011. Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease). Accessed at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/leptospirosis/fact_sheet.htm

Washington State Department of Health, n.d. Canine Leptospirosis. Accessed at https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/animal-transmitted-diseases/canine-leptospirosis