After seeing an increasing number of suspected leptospirosis cases in dogs, Sunny Heights Day Care Centre has been slapped with an isolation order. According to the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority, the Ministry of Health and the National Environment Agency, this spike was reported by vets since late last year.
Zero animal cases were surfaced in 2014, followed by two in the later months of 2015, and 18 so far this year, said The Straits Times.
This isolation order issued by AVA means that no dog can enter or leave the Turf Club Road space without AVA’s authorisation, and a complete cleaning and disinfection of the premises is mandatory.
If you’re unsure about leptospirosis is, it’s a bacterial disease that can affect humans as well. From 2012 to 2015, MOH received about 20 to 30 reports of the sickness every year. One out of the 14 human cases this year had a family dog that had been to Sunny Heights.
Symptoms of the disease in dogs include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, while symptoms in humans include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting. Even though wild and domestic animals can spread it, rodents are the main source of infection for humans. Leptospirosis can be transmitted through skin cuts and abrasions or mucous membranes with water contaminated by infected urine.
If left untreated, leptospirosis can be fatal.
Investigations are ongoing.
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