If you travel to coastal areas with your dog, we have important news for you. A new and more comprehensive vaccine against Leptospirosis—a serious and potentially fatal bacterial disease—has just been released.

Leptospirosis can affect both animals and humans and is more commonly found in warm, humid regions, particularly northern Queensland and parts of New South Wales. It spreads through contact with contaminated water, soil, or the urine of infected animals (primarily rodents). Outbreaks are often linked to heavy rainfall or flooding.

Do Dogs in Canberra Need Leptospirosis Vaccination?

At this time, we do not consider Canberra to be a high-risk area for Leptospirosis. Therefore, vaccination is not generally required unless your dog will be traveling to an area where the disease is present.

Updated Information on Leptospirosis Risk and Vaccination

• Leptospirosis continues to affect dogs along the South Coast, with a concerning fatality rate of around 40%. Recent cases have been reported in multiple areas, including Sydney (especially in the Central and Eastern suburbs, and as far west as Horsley Park and Bardia), Newcastle, Wollongong, Mittagong, Jervis Bay, and even as far north as Firefly. The disease is also prevalent in northern Australia, particularly Cape York. If you are traveling with your dog, we strongly recommend checking local risks and considering vaccination.
• The previously available Leptospirosis vaccine contained a single strain of the bacteria (Leptospira copenhageni), which provided some protection but was not a perfect match for the strain responsible for recent cases (Leptospira australis).
• A new vaccine, Nobivac Lepto2, has now been released. This updated vaccine includes two strains: Leptospira copenhageni and Leptospira bratislava. L. bratislava is closely related to L. australis, making this vaccine a much better match for the South Coast strain and offering broader protection.

Vaccination Details

• The new vaccine requires a restart of the Leptospirosis vaccination series, as it includes a strain not previously covered.
• Your dog will need two doses, given four weeks apart. Maximum protection is reached three weeks after the second dose, so we recommend starting vaccinations at least 7–8 weeks before traveling to an at-risk area.
• The interval between the first and second dose can range from 3 to 6 weeks, but 4 weeks is ideal.
• Annual boosters are needed to maintain protection.
• This vaccine can be given alongside other routine vaccinations.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Dog

Vaccination is an important preventive measure, but additional precautions can help reduce the risk of infection. Avoid allowing your dog to drink from or swim in stagnant water (such as puddles, ponds, or dams) or freshwater streams. It is also important to minimize exposure to potential carriers, such as rodents.

If you have any questions or would like to book a vaccination appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help keep your pets safe and healthy!