Fort Dodge announces Leptospirosis information site

Overland Park, Kan.

-- Fort Dodge Animal Health unveiled a new site for pet owners and veterinarians about the growing canine threat from Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease.

The disease, which also can affect other animal species and humans, is spread through the urine of an infected animal. Once affecting mostly rural dogs, the disease now is spreading to more suburban and urban settings.

A new Web section on www.leptoinfo.com is designed to provide pet owners with information about the disease and steps they can take to prevent it. It also addresses the risk humans face from Leptospirosis.

Common carriers of Leptospirosis include raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels and even livestock. Symptoms of the disease in dogs include vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea and lethargy.