Dogs can be infected with several serovars of Leptospira interrogans, but those most often found are icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola and grippotyphosa. The sources of infection in dogs are usually environmental - particularly slow moving water and contact with rodents, but also bite wounds, infected meat and even placental transfer.
A combination of hygiene and vaccination means that canine leptospirosis is commonly reported in many areas. Affected dogs are usually unvaccinated with a history of swimming in stagnant or slow-moving water.

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