Leptospirosis is a bad disease that can be very harmful and occasionally even fatal. It is also zoonotic which means people can contract the illness from their pet. It was thought in the past that Leptospirosis was not common in the city and occurred mostly in dogs exposed to livestock. New strains are infecting our dogs and evidence points to possible exposure of well cared for pets living in urban and especially suburban environments. It can be carried and spread by possums, raccoons, skunks and rats as well as livestock. In the past we felt that most infections occured due to exposure to cows and pigs. This is no longer the case. A recent study found aq higher prevalence in urban and suburban dogs than those living in the country.  We have found infected dogs in our own neighborhood. We now have available a relatively new well tested excellent vaccine produced by Meriel a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim that is safe and effective. We will be discussing this vaccine and the disease of Leptospirosis with you in future visits. If you are concerned about this now please call (314)383-4677 and ask about the vaccine.