Leptospirosis in dogs: Socio-economical perspective and management challenges in Jos Plateau, Nigeria

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease with a global distribution, with the highest burden in tropical and subtropical regions. This study investigates the socioeconomic impact, management approaches, and demographic characteristics of leptospirosis among dog owners in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 188 questionnaires were administered to dog owners, and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 24. The study reveals that semi-intensive (41%) and intensive (38.3%) dog housing systems were prevalent, with Caucasian breeds being the most common (38.8%). Despite a high DHLPP vaccination rate (91.0%), significant financial losses due to dog mortality were reported by 63.3% of respondents. The presence of rats around kennels poses a high risk for zoonotic transmission, exacerbated by a reliance on rat poison (70.7%). Awareness of leptospirosis is limited, with only 52.7% of dog owners familiar with the disease, and many misidentifying its bacterial nature. A high mortality rate post-doxycycline treatment (76.6%) raises concerns about treatment efficacy and early diagnosis. Additionally, 47.3% of respondents reported losing bitches at a late stage of pregnancy. Alarmingly, some respondents admitted to selling deceased dogs for consumption, raising serious public health concerns. These findings highlight the need for enhanced disease awareness, biosecurity measures, and improved disease management strategies to mitigate leptospirosis risks and economic losses.