19 Ryde Road, Pymble, NSW 2073
Leptospirosis Update January 2023
By John Morgan | Dated January 30, 2023
As of 29th January 2023 Gordon Vet Hospital has run out of stock of leptospirosis vaccination (C2i) for general use. We have been advised by our supplier that this product is unlikely to be available again until late May 2023 and it is not known how long it will be available for beyond this point or if this date is accurate.
Puppies are considered high risk due to their adventurous behavior and those that have had their first leptospirosis will be given priority to get their booster to ensure they have some degree of immunity against leptospirosis.
For dogs that have a C7 annual vaccination (annual C5 with leptospirosis) due during the leptospirosis shortage we will only be able to provide a C5 vaccination. Dogs that have an annual leptospirosis vaccination due and do not get any other vaccinations are encouraged to come in for an annual veterinary health check.
Please note the following recommendations from Sydney University to minimise the risk of contracting leptospirosis:
“Risk mitigation methods are the most important measures to prevent leptospirosis infection. Contact with sources of infection should be limited. This includes limiting contact with, swimming in and drinking out of stagnant water and avoiding contact with possible reservoir hosts such as rodents and farm animals, which can be achieved by fencing and rodent control. Similarly, contact with leptospirosis infected dogs should be avoided. In endemic areas – especially during leptospirosis outbreaks – close dog-to-dog contact like doggy day care and boarding in kennels should be reconsidered.”
Please note Sydney’s Upper North Shore is not currently considered an endemic area or area of concern. Suburbs flagged as of concern as at 31/01/23 are Annandale, Ashfield, Balmain, Bayswood, Burradoo, Cardiff Heights, Cheltenham, Cooks Hill, Crows Nest, Darlinghurst, Elanora Heights, Erskineville, Figtree, Firefly, Glebe, Horsley Park, Ingleside, Jervis Bay, Kembla Grange, Lurnea, Marrickville, Medowie, Newcastle, Newtown, Old Erowal Bay, Paddington, Potts Point, Redfern, Sanctuary Point, Speers Point, South Coast, St Georges Basin, Sanctuary Point, Surry Hills, Sussex Inlet, Tomerong, Tuggerah, Trunkey Creek, Vincentia, Waterloo and Woollamia.
The symptoms of leptospirosis vary significantly between cases but please contact your us immediately on 94983000 if your dog has vomiting, diarrhoea and significant lethargy.
We appreciate your patience while we manage this shortage of supply and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease
Written by John Morgan
John first started with Gordon Vet Hospital back in 2004 as a weekend Nurse while studying Veterinary Science. When he graduated he worked in Goulburn for a few years before spending 2 years doing locum work through Canada. John returned to Australia in 2013 and came back to Gordon Vet Hospital. John completed his postgraduate studies in Small Animal Practice in 2013 and in 2015 gained Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery.
