Rebecca Dantuono, and Trevor Fay

The Republic | azcentral.com

A bacterial infection in dogs that can spread to humans has sickened more than 50 dogs in the Phoenix area, according to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.

The state Department of Agriculture is reporting a recent outbreak of the bacterial infection known as Leptospirosis.

The bacteria spreads through exposure to an infected dog's urine or with diseased rodents and other wildlife, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. In extreme cases, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney and liver failure in both dogs and humans.

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control has said that none of the people with exposure to sick dogs have been diagnosed with Leptospirosis, but some of them have illnesses that are under investigation.

The Arizona Veterinarian's Office is encouraging dog owners to keep an eye out for common signs. Symptoms in dogs include drinking and urinating more than usual, lack of urination, redness in the eyes, depression, reluctance to eat and fever over 103.5 degrees. Humans with Leptospirosis often experience flu-like symptoms that can turn more serious.

In both humans and dogs, the disease can be treated with antibiotics. Even after treatment, however, dogs with Leptospirosis can shed the bacteria in their urine for several months without showing any symptoms.

The Arizona Animal Welfare League says there is a vaccine available. Veterinarians may recommend this vaccination, depending on the dog's degree of risk, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Peter Mundschenk, state veterinarian, recommends that dog-boarding and day-care facilities consider requiring proof of a Leptospirosis vaccination because of the continuing increase of cases, the Agriculture Department said.

According to the department, these dogs may be at a higher risk of infection:

Outdoor dogs that engage in hiking and swimming in natural waters.

Dogs with contact with other animal species.

Hunting dogs.

Dogs that are frequently exposed to areas of standing water or flooded areas.

Dogs that have frequent exposure to other dogs in high-density areas (dogs shows, dog parks, pet-boarding facilities).

Dogs that travel frequently or have contact with dogs who travel.

For more information, contact the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, or email vbzd@azdhs.gov.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported that dogs had died from the bacterial infection. The Republic regrets this error.