SINGAPORE – Sunny Heights Day Care Centre for dogs has been associated with 12 cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial virus that is transmittable to humans.

According to a statement by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), an isolation order has been issued to the centre, prohibiting any dog from entering or leaving the premises without AVA’s authorisation.

Sunny Heights Day Care Centre is also required to conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of its premises. When the National Environment Agency (NEA) conducted an inspection on July 12 at the centre and the surrounding vicinity, including a licensed pet cafe, it found no signs of rat activity, which is associated with the spread of the virus.

Environmental samples that were taken are being tested for leptospirosis. AVA said that investigations are ongoing.

AVA also added that 14 human cases of the virus have been reported so far this year, including one individual whose family dog had previously attended Sunny Heights Day Care Centre.

Up for Paws, a dog day care centre issued a warning on its website on July 15, asking owners who had gone with their dogs to Sunny Heights Day Care Centre and the Green Corridor to inform them and to take preventive measures such as checking if their pet have been vaccinated against the virus. 

According to a post on Facebook by dog groomer Dear Mutt, it claims to know of three dogs which have died from the virus in Singapore.

The public are advised to seek medical attention should they develop symptoms (see below).

What is leptospirosis?

– Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both animals and humans.

– It can be transmitted to humans and animals through cuts and abrasions of the skin, or through mucous membranes with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

– Many wild and domestic animals can be infected and act as a source of infection

– Rodents are considered the primary source of infection to humans 

Symptoms of leptopirosis 

– Clinical signs of leptospirosis in dogs include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice and failure to produce urine.

– Infected dogs may be treated with antibiotics but may succumb to the infection due to acute renal failure.

– Clinical signs of leptospirosis in humans include fever, headache, decreased appetite, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and rash

– Leptospirosis could be fatal for humans who do not seek treatment

How can leptospirosis be prevented?

– Keep dogs up to date with vaccinations

– Although the vaccine does not provide 100 per cent protection, it can reduce the chance of the dog being infected, and help prevent the spread of bacteria in the dog’s urine

– Reduce dogs’ exposure to water or soil that may be potentially contaminated, such as areas that are home to small mammals such as bats, rats and other rodents

– Owners with pets that have been diagnosed with leptospirosis should avoid handling or contact with urine, blood, or tissues. If necessary, protective clothing such as gloves should be worn

– Owners should wash their hands with soap after handling the pet or anything that might have the pet’s excrement on it

– Surfaces that may be contaminated or contain urine from an infected pet should be cleaned using anti-bacterial cleaning solutions or household bleach.

– Good personal hygiene should be observed at all times, especially after the handling of animals, or if they are in contact with soil or water that may be contaminated by animal urine

prabukm@sph.com.sg