Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease caused bacteria in the genus Leptospira. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can infects both animals and people.

In animals, the infection is often subclinical, meaning the infected animal does not appear unwell (although infection can sometimes cause visible illness in animals, especially young animals).

Infected animals shed bacteria in their urine.

People can become infected by direct contact with urine (eg urine splashes while milking or carcass dressing) or through contact with contaminated environments (eg slurry pit, waterway or contaminated feed). Bacteria can enter the body through mucous membranes (nose, eyes, mouth) or via cuts in the skin.

People infected with Leptospira will often become unwell. They may have symptoms similar to the flu, including:

• Fever/chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea

Some people will be more seriously affected, and may need to be hospitalised due to:

• Liver damage
• Kidney failure
• Brain swelling
• Heart failure

Leptospirosis in New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest rates of leptospirosis in the world.

The people at highest risk of infection are those who work with livestock – particularly farm workers and meat processing workers. It is recommended that anyone working with livestock speaks to their employer about minimising the risk of leptospirosis infection.

Farmers looking to protect themselves and their staff should speak to their veterinarian about creating a leptospirosis risk management plan.