Trainers in the Shoalhaven region are urged to monitor their greyhounds for symptoms of Leptospirosis following several confirmed cases.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection typically spread through rat urine which can contaminate food, water or bedding, and is contagious among mammals, including humans. The infection is usually picked up in stagnant water, such as puddles, and given the large amount of rain we have experienced this year the risk of infection is higher than usual.

Thorough hygiene practices are encouraged at kennels to avoid the presence of rodents.

Participants should monitor their greyhounds and seek veterinary advice if they have any of the following symptoms:

• lethargy and fever
• decreased appetite
• vomiting and abdominal pain
• haemorrhages on the skin
• blood in urine or no urine
• coughing and shortness of breath
• shivering and muscle pain
• bleeding disorders.

GWIC encourages trainers to vaccinate their greyhounds against Leptospirosis and include a routine booster with their greyhound's annual vaccinations.

For more information on Leptospirosis, download GWIC's fact sheet.