Rats in Brooklyn park infect dogs with a dangerous disease: 4 pets died

A deadly disease could be waiting for dogs in Brooklyn, and worried pet owners are linking the problem to a rat-infested park in Williamsburg, reports Daily News.

At least four dogs have died since recent visits to McCarren Park. Each had symptoms associated with leptospirosis, an infectious bacterial disease. It, according to the member of the city council Lincoln Wrestler, is capable of hitting people.

On the subject: Rats in New York spread a dangerous infection: dogs die from it and people can get hurt

The wrestler did not announce the outbreak of leptospirosis, nor did the city health department (DH). But he circulated on social media about symptoms, treatment and vaccinations. This is done to control any possible spreads and concerns.

"I'm incredibly worried," Wrestler said. - We must immediately solve the problem of infection from rats and the basic conditions in the area to make sure the dogs and the whole community are safe.”

The dog deaths, first detailed on the Greenpointers website, included a blue merle French bulldog named Oreo. He had to be euthanized after a recent visit to the park.

“Many of you need to contact your local veterinarians as soon as possible and get your dogs vaccinated,” the dog’s owner wrote on Instagram.

He called for community outreach efforts to help clean up the park.

Meanwhile, the city's DZ has not confirmed any spread of canine leptospirosis associated with visiting McCarren Park, agency spokesman Michael Lanza said.

Veterinarian recommendations

Experts emphasize that pet owners can prevent leptospirosis if:

• protect your home from rodents
• avoid direct contact of the dog with rodents and small mammals outdoors
• do not allow your pets to drink from puddles or other water sources that may be contaminated with animal urine

The City Parks Department is monitoring the situation.

The agency's spokesman, Crystal Howard, said they are actively cooperating with DH and mental health.

McCarren Park does not have an official dog pen, so the owners unofficially use a makeshift place for their pets for this purpose.

The Department of Health investigates about two cases of leptospirosis in humans and 15 in dogs each year. Many animals can carry the bacteria that cause leptospirosis.

Symptoms include fever, chills, vomiting, muscle pain or diarrhea.