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2h ago

Berkeley Marks Harrison Street Encampment as High-Risk After Leptospirosis Detected in Rats and Dogs

Recent warm storms raised risk, prompting a monthlong cleanup.

FILE: A short-haired golden retriever follows his owner through a shallow stream. 
A view of leptospira bacteria, spiral-shaped microorganisms that are responsible for the leptospirosis infection.
FILE: A view of a brown rat. Rats can carry diseases and then spread them to humans, normally through their urine.
File image of a golden Labrador dog

Overview

  • City health officials confirmed numerous infected rats and at least two positive dogs near Codornices Creek and designated a red zone around the Harrison Street encampment.
  • Residents living in the corridor were urged to relocate at least one-third of a mile to enable cleanup and rat control operations.
  • No human cases have been confirmed, the disease does not spread person to person, and the incubation period can extend up to 30 days.
  • Berkeley has begun environmental testing, multi‑cycle rat baiting and carcass removal, and a decontamination effort expected to take at least 30 days.
  • Officials warned that standing water and uncontained garbage are boosting risk and advised pet owners to vaccinate dogs, consider vaccination for free‑roaming cats, and keep animals away from puddles and creeks.