Tag Archives: Leptospirosis raccoons

Leptospirosis is a Common Bacterial Disease in Raccoons

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As mammals, raccoons are susceptible to a wide variety of communicable diseases, including viruses, parasites, and bacteria. The most common bacterial infection found in wild raccoons is called Leptospirosis, which is caused by a number of different Leptospira species. It is thought to be carried in their urine, and transmitted through contaminated food or water. But contraction can also occur if contaminated urine gets on the skin, eyes, nose, ears, mouth, or throat.

Any mammals can contract this bacterial disease, including humans. Without proper treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to respiratory complications, kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and even death. Continue reading to learn more about Leptospirosis and its symptoms.

Carriers

Many animals are carriers of the bacteria, Leptospira, but may not necessarily exhibit any signs or symptoms. The most common systems are flu or influenza-like, such as body and muscle aches, headaches, and fever. As mentioned, without proper or timely treatment, symptoms can worsen drastically. Common carriers include rats, cattle, dogs, and of course, raccoons.

Human Exposure

This bacterial disease is rarely spread to people, and it’s even rarer for it to spread from person to person. But if humans were to contract the disease, it is likely to happen while swimming in rivers and streams, camping, canoeing, and adventure travel. These are common areas and activities where Leptospirosis exposure is more likely. Travelers, farmers, field workers, butchers, miners, sewer workers, and vets are common victims of Leptospirosis exposure.

Pet Exposure

If you have dogs or cats that play outdoors often, it is important to be vigilant about wild animal exposure. Vaccinating your pets against diseases like Leptospirosis will give them the protection they need when exploring their surroundings. One vaccine a year can save your precious pet from a deadly bacterial infection.

Professional Service

If you have raccoons on your property, you may need professional raccoon removal and control to get your property under control and keep it protected against disease and damage. A licensed wildlife removal company will have the proper equipment and resources necessary to deliver safe and humane raccoon exclusion and prevention services.

Indianapolis Raccoon Control

Call 317-535-4605 for professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists that offer a wide range of affordable animal removal services for commercial and residential properties. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis raccoon control, today.

Learning About Leptospirosis

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Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira, and can affect a wide variety of mammals, but it tends to be most commonly associated with raccoons in the Midwest parts of the country. Raccoons, like all other mammals, are susceptible to several types of disease, including Rabies, Roundworm, and more. Leptospirosis is commonly contracted and passed on by raccoons, bats, and opossum in urban areas. It is a dangerous illnesses that can be contracted by both humans and pets.

What You Should Know About Leptospirosis

There are nearly 200 cases of Leptospirosis reported every year in the United States. It is mostly contracted through water contaminated by an infected mammal’s urine. It is not spread from person to person, and instead, often happens during swimming, fishing, canoeing, and other water-related activities. The infected water must be ingested, or passed through exposed membranes or open wounds in the skin. This includes the eyes, nose, mouth, scrapes, cuts, scabs, and ears. Once contracted, it is common for humans to not experience illness or symptoms at all, while in other cases, people become very sick. This also applies to domesticated animals. It is vital to get immediate medical care for antibiotics to avoid long-term effects and consequences if you suspect you were exposed to Leptospirosis.

Symptoms

Symptoms can sometimes not show up at all, but if they do, it generally takes anywhere from one to two weeks before symptoms show. Common symptoms include high fever, neck and leg pains, severe headaches, vomiting or diarrhea, and fatigue. For more serious cases of Leptospirosis, signs might also include anemia, Meningitis, kidney failure, liver failure, mental confusions, depression, and more.

The symptoms of Leptospirosis can last for several days, or up to several weeks, depending on the severity of the illness. But mostly, human reports of Leptospirosis illness in the United States are all mild cases. People at higher risks of contracting Leptospirosis include sewer workers, farmers, rice and sugar cane workers, adventure racing athletes, veterinarians, miners, slaughterhouse workers, and animal control contractors. Dogs are at higher risk of dying from Leptospirosis, so take them to the vet as soon as they show influenza-like symptoms.

Indiana Raccoon Removal

Call Indiana Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 to professionally manage a raccoon problem near your home or office. We are highly experienced, DNR licensed wildlife rescue contractors that provide wide range of services for raccoon control. This include minor attic restorations and repairs, and raccoon cleanup. And we only use safe and humane, non-lethal methods of raccoon control! Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, IN today.