The Ministry of Health of Córdoba, together with the Veterinary College, reported an increase in cases of canine leptospirosis in different localities of the province. Until epidemiological week 17, 14 cases were reported, with a mortality rate of 45%.
95% of the affected animals were not vaccinated, which reinforces the need for preventive campaigns.
The cases are distributed in:
- City of Córdoba (7).
- Brinkmann, San Justo department (2).
- Bell Ville, Villa María, Marcos Juárez, General Levalle, and Laguna Larga (1 each).
Characteristics of the disease
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.
- Transmission: contact with urine from infected animals or contaminated environments (water, mud, moist soils).
- Risk factors: heavy rains, floods, and the presence of rodents.
- Clinical signs in dogs: fever, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, jaundice, kidney failure, and hemorrhages.
- Severity: it can range from subclinical forms to severe cases with high lethality.
Impact on production animals
Leptospirosis also affects cattle, pigs, and sheep:
- Abortions and stillbirths.
- Infertility and decreased milk production.
- Icterohemorrhagic conditions in young animals.
- Risk of chronic carriers that release the bacteria into the environment.
This causes significant economic losses and compromises food security.
Zoonotic risk
Dogs can act as transmitters, shedding the bacteria through urine and contaminating water and soils. Infection in humans occurs through contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, making leptospirosis a public health problem. In people, it can cause high fever, muscle pain, jaundice, kidney failure, and even death in severe cases.
Prevention measures
Authorities emphasize that leptospirosis is of mandatory notification and that any suspected case must be reported immediately. Key actions include:
- Annual vaccination: the main defense against the disease.
- Rodent control: main asymptomatic carriers.
- Avoid stagnant waters: limit dogs’ contact with puddles, ditches, or floodwaters.
- Use of personal protection: gloves and boots in risky tasks.
- Community education: information campaigns for pet owners and rural producers.
Actions recommended by specialists
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) warns that leptospirosis can reduce water availability, damage crops, and pressure production systems. In the veterinary field, it is recommended to:
- Maintain active clinical surveillance in risk areas.
- Implement biosecurity protocols in breeding and rural establishments.
- Promote mass vaccination in dogs and cattle.
- Strengthen the cleaning of public spaces and control urban pests.
The health alert in Córdoba reflects the importance of prevention and vaccination to protect both animals and people. Canine leptospirosis, with high mortality and zoonotic risk, requires active surveillance, environmental control, and community commitment to reduce its impact.
Cooperation between veterinarians, health authorities, and citizens will be key to curbing the spread of this disease.
