Local News

Pet owners urged to be vigilant amid outbreak of leptospirosis

01 December 2025
This content originally appeared on Jamaica News.
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As leptospirosis continues to pose a serious health threat in Jamaica, Veterinarian Dr. Paul Cadogan is urging pet owners to be vigilant about the disease in their dogs and cats.

The Health Ministry has declared a leptospirosis outbreak with 14 related deaths 6 of which have been confirmed.

Up to late last week there were 90 suspected cases.

Speaking at a leptospirosis sensitisation webinar for pet owners yesterday, Dr. Cadogan urged pet owners to watch for leptospirosis symptoms in dogs, including loss of appetite, fever and blood in the stool.

While cats do not get sick as often as dogs, he noted they can still carry the bacteria and shed it in their urine.

Dr. Cadogan also warned farmers and those in close contact with livestock such as horses, goats and pigs to be just as cautious.