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Ag News - Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a common bacterial disease of cattle and pigs. It is also a zoonotic disease, which means it may affect humans.

By Department of Primary Industries - 9th August 2006 - Back to News

Leptospirosis is a common bacterial disease of cattle and pigs. It is also a zoonotic disease, which means it may affect humans. It is recognised as an occupational health hazard for farmers who can be exposed to water contaminated by animal urine, or contact with tissues or urine of infected animals. The organism enters the body through intact membranes such as those of the eyes or inside the nose and through the skin if it happens to be broken.

In cattle, leptospirosis may lead to a range of conditions including late abortions, a delayed return to service, mastitis, and in calves, red water or even death. Alternatively, if the infection is well established in a herd there may be little outward sign of disease.

The diagnosis of leptospirosis in cattle can be readily achieved through blood sampling.

The risk of the spread of infection can be significantly reduced by the vaccination of cattle. This should be given in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. As with other vaccination programs vaccination should be carried out by an initial vaccination, followed by a second vaccination four to six weeks later, and from then on an annual vaccination.

Vermin control is another important factor in the control of the disease. Vermin, such as rats, promote the spread of infection.

If you are a cattle or pig producer, it is worth considering the control of leptospirosis as an important part of the occupational health and safety aspect of your enterprise.

In humans the severity of the disease varies from mild flu like symptoms to, in the most extreme cases, a potentially life threatening illness. It is possible to be successfully treated for leptospirosis with an appropriate antibiotic once the condition has been diagnosed. Therefore, if you ever suffer flu like symptoms and are in one of the high risk groups you should discuss the possibility of leptospirosis with your doctor.

If any of the signs above makes you suspect ‘Lepto’ contact your local GP, veterinarian, or DPI Animal Health staff.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com