Evaluating a Response to a Canine Leptospirosis Outbreak in Dogs Using an Owner Survey

TL;DR

A survey of dog owners in Los Angeles County revealed low awareness of leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease, and its risks, despite a recent outbreak.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into dog owner awareness and knowledge gaps regarding leptospirosis in a post-outbreak setting.

Findings

68% of respondents were unaware of the 2021 leptospirosis outbreak.

77% of respondents were unfamiliar with the signs and zoonotic nature of leptospirosis.

Only 9.8% of respondents did not have a primary veterinarian.

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that spreads through contaminated soil and water or directly from infected animals through urine. In January 2022, a survey targeting Los Angeles County communities, in which a 2021 leptospirosis outbreak occurred, was sent out via groups on the online platforms Instagram and Facebook. A total of 102 dog owners completed the survey, and 90% reported having a primary veterinarian, 68% of the respondents were unaware of the outbreak, and 77% were unfamiliar with the signs and risks associated with leptospirosis. These data provide some insight into dog owners’ awareness and perceptions of leptospirosis and the 2021 outbreak.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that spreads through contaminated soil and water or directly from infected animals through urine. Although animal-to-human transmission is low, humans are most susceptible to contracting leptospirosis from these contaminated sources. This makes leptospirosis a public health concern, and therefore it is important to control these bacteria from spreading into the environment. A survey targeting Los Angeles County communities, in which a 2021 leptospirosis outbreak occurred, was sent out via groups on the online platforms Instagram and Facebook to gather dog and owner demographics. With 92 (90.2%) respondents having a primary veterinarian, it could not be determined what caused certain owners to have a greater vaccination rate than those who did not (n = 10; 9.8%). Overall, 69 respondents (68%), regardless of whether they had a primary veterinarian or not, reported not knowing of canine leptospirosis and 79 (77%) not knowing the signs to look for or that it is zoonotic. These data help provide a basis in terms of the status of dog owners’ knowledge of leptospirosis and how to begin to inform dog owners better about preventatives for this disease.

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