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Bulletin No. 15 - Summer 2003
BacterologyLeptospirosis
RAUTUREAU S
Leptospirosis in bovine and swine: summary and current animal health status of European countries
DVM Thesis ENV Nantes, February 2003 75p
Leptospirosis is listed as a B list disease according to the OIE classification. The causative agent is a leptospire that can contaminate both humans and animals. There are over 200 pathogenic serovars of the bacterium. The transmission is due to animal contact or contact with animal products (urine, faeces, semen). In swine, there is both an acute and chronic form. Pigs suffering from acute leptospiral infection are anorexic, feverish and lethargic. The chronic leptospiral infection causes abortion, infertility and reproduction disorders and can be economically significant. The disease is mainly subclinical and only a few animals develop clinical signs. Laboratory analyses are necessary to diagnose the disease. Since the advent of the Common Market in Europe the transmission of the disease is facilitated by animal transport and commercial exchanges. Although all member countries of the OIE (of which are European countries) have to present a report on their herd health status regarding leptospirosis, most of them do not provide precise epidemiological data and do not implement an epidemiological surveillance plan. The prevention and control policies vary widely from one European country to another. In France, for instance, the disease is underestimated and is not notifiable while in Portugal and the United Kingdom it is compulsory to notify it and vaccination is used as a control measure.
