Veterinarians across California are warning of a growing outbreak of a disease spreading among dogs. It's called leptospirosis, which is a dangerous bacterial disease that can be deadly for dogs and can even spread to humans.
Dogs across the Bay Area and Los Angeles are already being diagnosed. Some have died. The infection spreads easily through contaminated water, soil, and mud – especially after rain, when bacteria can survive in puddles and standing water for weeks.
Sign now to urge California public health officials to prioritize widespread distribution and access to the leptospirosis vaccine.
Leptospirosis attacks the kidneys and liver, causing symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, severe dehydration, and loss of appetite. Without treatment, the disease can quickly become fatal.
Even more concerning, leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can pass from animals to humans. People exposed to infected urine or contaminated environments can develop flu-like symptoms and serious complications.
Despite this risk, leptospirosis cases in animals are not consistently tracked across the state, making it harder for communities to understand how fast the disease is spreading.
The good news is that prevention already exists. A safe and effective vaccine can protect dogs from the disease, dramatically reducing transmission and preventing outbreaks before they spiral out of control. But vaccination rates remain inconsistent, and many pet owners are unaware of the danger.
With the right action now, we can prevent needless suffering, protect pets, and stop this outbreak from spreading further.
Sign the petition to urge California health officials to treat leptospirosis as the public health threat it is and expand vaccine distribution immediately.
