Leptospirosis opinions?

[Marlee88]

I recently saw a post on here regarding leptospirosis and wanted to know everyone's opinions on it. So! Has anyone had a squirrel who had it? Or has anyone gotten sick themselves with it(or thought they had it) from one of their squirrels?

I've read many differing opinions on whether or not a baby squirrel can have it with no symptoms, what is your opinion?

[Mel1959]

I’ve never heard of one having it or posting about it or any person saying they had it.

Other folks on here have been members for longer than my 4 years, so maybe they’ve heard of something.

[Marlee88]

I haven't either and I've been rehabbing a few years now. Though if you google it, it says that squirrels are the main carriers of lepto.. but actual studies haven't shown that is the case.

[TubeDriver]

Wild animals do carry diseases that can make a human sick. You should always practice hand washing and other techniques to minimize your exposure to pathogens. Fecal matter, urine and saliva all put you at risk. But keeping your rehab area clean, isolated as much as possible from you and your family, frequent hand washing will help prevent getting infected.

We have many, many rehabbers here who have been rehabbing for years with hundreds of squirrels and no reports of illness. So while it is possible, it is not very likely.

[Duckman]

I have had 2 squirrels come in with Lepto and neither survived. It is extremely contagious and can be transmitted to humans. It is nothing to be messing with. That said, I don't know of anyone who has ever had a squirrel survive it, as they are usually so far gone by the time they show symptoms that they don't have time to react to the Antibiotics.
The weird thing is that I know several rehabbers who have had it as well, and one was almost on deaths doors, and the other never showed any symptoms and only found out she had it when they did a blood test for a different health problem.

[Marlee88]

I have had 2 squirrels come in with Lepto and neither survived. It is extremely contagious and can be transmitted to humans. It is nothing to be messing with. That said, I don't know of anyone who has ever had a squirrel survive it, as they are usually so far gone by the time they show symptoms that they don't have time to react to the Antibiotics.
The weird thing is that I know several rehabbers who have had it as well, and one was almost on deaths doors, and the other never showed any symptoms and only found out she had it when they did a blood test for a different health problem.

If you don’t mind me asking, Where are you from? I know it’s more prevalent in warmer climates and tropical areas.

[Marlee88]

Wild animals do carry diseases that can make a human sick. You should always practice hand washing and other techniques to minimize your exposure to pathogens. Fecal matter, urine and saliva all put you at risk. But keeping your rehab area clean, isolated as much as possible from you and your family, frequent hand washing will help prevent getting infected.

We have many, many rehabbers here who have been rehabbing for years with hundreds of squirrels and no reports of illness. So while it is possible, it is not very likely.

That’s what I have heard. The article I read the other day stated that even breathing in squirrel urine can infect you. I always practice hand washing and safe handling but frequently get scratched which is a way of transmission? That’s what the article stated anyways.

[Duckman]

Squirrel Refuge is located in Vancouver Washington. I wouldn't say we are a warmer climate or tropical by any means. LOL!

If you don’t mind me asking, Where are you from? I know it’s more prevalent in warmer climates and tropical areas.

[Duckman]

I know this wasn't directed to me, but figured I would chime in. Yes, you can get it from the aerosolization of urine, but you are more likely to get it by exposure to the actual urine of the infected. Also understand that the bacteria can remain on surfaces for weeks, so a proper anti-bacterial agent is necessary to effectively remove it.

That’s what I have heard. The article I read the other day stated that even breathing in squirrel urine can infect you. I always practice hand washing and safe handling but frequently get scratched which is a way of transmission? That’s what the article stated anyways.

[Marlee88]

I know this wasn't directed to me, but figured I would chime in. Yes, you can get it from the aerosolization of urine, but you are more likely to get it by exposure to the actual urine of the infected. Also understand that the bacteria can remain on surfaces for weeks, so a proper anti-bacterial agent is necessary to effectively remove it.

Interesting. Do you think baby squirrels can survive without symptoms with lepto if they acquire it?

[Duckman]

I personally don't think a baby squirrel will survive it without Antibiotics, so if you suspect one has it, get a vet to test it asap.

Interesting. Do you think baby squirrels can survive without symptoms with lepto if they acquire it?

[Marlee88]

I personally don't think a baby squirrel will survive it without Antibiotics, so if you suspect one has it, get a vet to test it asap.

I think so too, I’ve read that they are asymptotic carriers of it but with almost no research to back it up.

[island rehabber]

FWIW, in 16+ years rehabbing I have only known of one rehabber who had a case of lepto in her home, and she got it too. This was a hoarding situation: 45 non-releasables in close proximity to one another in a home with one person taking care of them. I don't believe lepto is as common as other squirrel diseases like coccidia or even bordatella.

[Marlee88]

FWIW, in 16+ years rehabbing I have only known of one rehabber who had a case of lepto in her home, and she got it too. This was a hoarding situation: 45 non-releasables in close proximity to one another in a home with one person taking care of them. I don't believe lepto is as common as other squirrel diseases like coccidia or even bordatella.

Interesting, thank you for responding! I hope she was okay.

[Duckman]

I concur here. We get a lot of Coccidia, and we also get a lot of guardia. Not that much bordatella though. I wonder if that is more to do with geography?

FWIW, in 16+ years rehabbing I have only known of one rehabber who had a case of lepto in her home, and she got it too. This was a hoarding situation: 45 non-releasables in close proximity to one another in a home with one person taking care of them. I don't believe lepto is as common as other squirrel diseases like coccidia or even bordatella.

[island rehabber]

I concur here. We get a lot of Coccidia, and we also get a lot of guardia. Not that much bordatella though. I wonder if that is more to do with geography?

I read somewhere that bordatella comes in waves; you may not see it for years, and then it goes through your whole house
Yes, the hoarder with lepto was fine -- she honked (coughed) like a Canada goose for a couple of weeks and then recovered.
Duckman: I think geography has a lot to do with the syndromes and diseases that rehabbers see. Would be an interesting study to take on!

[Emmjaexo6]

I have had 2 squirrels come in with Lepto and neither survived. It is extremely contagious and can be transmitted to humans. It is nothing to be messing with. That said, I don't know of anyone who has ever had a squirrel survive it, as they are usually so far gone by the time they show symptoms that they don't have time to react to the Antibiotics.
The weird thing is that I know several rehabbers who have had it as well, and one was almost on deaths doors, and the other never showed any symptoms and only found out she had it when they did a blood test for a different health problem.

Just wondering how old the squirrels were that had leptospirosis? What were their symptoms?

[Duckman]

We had the first one come in at about 6 weeks old. She had diarrhea (not as bad as Coccidia, just different), watery eyes, and the inside of her mouth was very pale and yellow. The second one was an adult, same symptoms. Like I said, none survived. What is scary about it though, is that it can be absorbed directly in through the skin. Some say though an open wound, but I have seen vets say it can be transmitted directly though closed skin as well.

Just wondering how old the squirrels were that had leptospirosis? What were their symptoms?